The End

How poetic that my final blog post (at least regarding Spain) is exactly a month after my last one. I have now been home in New Jersey for a week and a half, but honestly it feels like a month already. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being home and only confirmed how much I missed my friends and family. However, it would be unfair to my (possibly) loyal readers to forget to talk about my last two weeks in Granada/Spain. It seems like so long ago, yet still so vivid.

Finals were nothing to write home about; they weren't hard, it was simple memorization in order to regurgitate the information a few hours later. The hardest thing I had to do was my flamenco show, and that wasn't even graded!

After our last final, Katie and I went to Los Italianos for a celebratory tarta and did a little bit more shopping for us/people at home. Then, we all hiked up to San Nicolas one last time to toast the end of school. Fifteen of us went up there, and it was only for an hour, but that hour was golden. It proved to me that these people sitting next to me, drinking and laughing, these people have meant more to me than I will ever know. Even now, I think about them everyday and how they made me laugh in a situation that was unsettling or let me vent on a bad day. These people are my Spanish family and I wouldn't have it any other way. But more on that later.

That night was the official end of IES, so they threw us a wonderful cocktail dinner with alcohol and food galore. In hindsight, it is crazy to think that for the most part, that was the last time I am going to see most of those people; but with tinto de verano flowing, that was my last concern at the moment. All of our professors came so we took some great pictures, as well as a few pictures just with friends. The one below is currently the background to my computer because it explains my friends so well--we may not all be looking at the same place, or be visible, or even be ready for the pictures, but we are having a damn good time. I'm trying to make sure this doesn't turn into a gushing love post about my friends, so we are going to keep moving.

Saying goodbye to Javier (the director of IES Granada) wasn't necessarily hard, but I would classify it as weird. Like many of my peers, there is a very good chance that I will never see him again. And to make matters worse, I can't really verbalize to him, or anyone, how important his presence was this past semester. Even though I wasn't in class with him, which a lot of students were, I always knew that if something happened Javier would have my back. There are very few programs like IES Granada in the study abroad world and that is because there is no one like Javier. He has built this program from the very beginning into something that he is proud to call his own, and he should be because this program has more heart, soul, and community than any other one I have heard about.

After the dinner, we proceeded to dance the night away at Camborio, a dance club that overlooks the entire city with a clear view of the Alhambra. And when I say we danced the night away, I literally mean away--I watched the sun rise to the left of the Alhambra at approx. 7am and then decided it was a good time to go to bed.

Two hours later, I woke up to my last day in Granada. That means: last meal with Juanie. We had delicious meatballs and a great conversation as usual. I wish I could express to her how much I truly appreciate everything she did over the semester. She made a potentially awkward situation (and it was for some homestay students) unbelievablely comfortable. Val and I were so lucky to have her as our host mom because I am convinced I couldn't do better.

So as some of you may know, I was lucky enough to have a HUGE group of friends. Now, how huge do you ask? Our final dinner, at Pilar del Toros an incredible restaurant that is also a cafe that we frequented a lot, was a reservation for 17. Unfortunately, two boys couldn't make it, but I had all of my friends sitting in front of me for two hours that night. Somehow they thought it would be a good idea for me to toast (I wanted to a little plus I was sitting at the head) and of course everything I wanted to say got stuck in my throat with the tears. So, if anyone from Pero Bueno is reading this, this is what I wanted to say:

Thank you for being you and for being more than friends. We created a family support system the past four months and I could not be more lucky to be apart of it. Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart. Somehow we created this huge group and somehow it worked. Who would have thought that 12 girls and 5 guys could get through 4 months with such limited drama?! There is a story connected to each one of you, a relationship with each one of you that is different and unique. I have learned so much from you all and I have only just begun to figure out how you have all changed me. But know this, you have changed me. Granada would not have been Granada without you and I am no longer me without the memories that include you. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Two weeks later and I still cried writing that.

The next morning is a blur. A 530AM alarm, hugging Juanie goodbye in an elevator. Somehow getting on a bus and driving away from Granada. Watching friends literally walk away from us. And then I was at the beach.

I spent 3 days at Torremolinos with some mix of Lindsay, Jim, and Kate. It was a great decompression trip and it really allowed me to process everything that had happened in the last two days in Granada. Then June 2nd, I boarded a plane in Malaga to London, got upgraded to business class on my flight across the Atlantic, and made it through baggage claim at Newark before my parents had even parked the car. And now I'm here.

My dad said to me a few days ago that I needed to finish this blog, and I knew that I did, but I was definitely mentally putting it off. Everyone keeps asking me if I am happy to be home, and I am. I didn't think I was going to be, so it has been a very happy surprise. The following question is if I miss Granada yet and, surprisingly, the answer is no. I have thought about why this is for awhile, because I adore Granada and would go back in an instance. But, the day that I can't envision Reyes Catolicos or the Alhambra is the day I'll cry. Right now, I am still floating on the recent past, reliving my life there whenever I find myself dazing. I have returned to Granada and my friends everyday since I have been back, even if I don't speak to anyone from Spain. And isn't that the point of study abroad? It is more than just a place or people, Granada and the past four months is a complete and total part of me. I contemplate having toast every morning, I blast flamenco music on my Ipod, I slip Spanish words into my everyday language just so I can still say something in the beautiful language. So no, I don't miss Granada because Granada, in some small way, has come home with me. And I could not be more pleased.

So, this is really the end. Minus a few notes in my handwritten journal and the daunting task of compiling my pictures, Spain is no longer my present or near future. But weren't the past four months a fabulous adventure? I know I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Adios!

And one final time, the most incredible meal from Pilar:

duck in a cinnamon and honey sauce
liquid white chocolate truffle with red fruit

This is your Barcelona, too...

So, the title may give the subject of this post away--my trip to Barcelona last week! I had so much fun and we were relatively lucky with the weather overall, making Barcelona a great trip. I must say that everyone had told me that I would LOVE Barcelona, so I went in with extremely high expectations. I did love Barcelona, but it was definitely not what I imagined and not my favorite city that I visited. However, it did create some of my best memories of being abroad and that obviously counts for something.

Let the play-by-play begin!

So Katie, Lindsay, and I went up Thursday morning/afternoon and once we got there, we headed to the harbor for a little walk and then to the market to pick up some food for dinner that night in the hostel. Hannah joined us just in time for dinner and we ended up staying in because we had woken up so early for travel.

The next day we woke up bright and early for a tour. We found a great company that gave free tours around the city, minus the tip we gave the tour guide. Friday we did the Gothic (Old) City tour. We started in Plaza Real and then worked our way to Plaza de Pi and then to the Old Jewish Quarter. There we saw the old synagogue with the Hebrew engraved into the stones. We then went to Plaza Sant Jaume which is where the government buildings for both Catalunia and Barcelona are located. In this tumultuous time for Spain, there was one protester there, but our tour guide said there have been a lot in recent months. We then made our way to the cathedral which was different than any other one I have seen because it was like an outdoor patio--different, but way cool. We wandered to Plaza Felip Neri, the location of many movies, and then walked over to the old Archdecon's house which has a beautiful patio. We then saw part of the old Roman wall and saw that part of the city, including Plaza del Rey where King Ferdinand was stabbed while greeting Christopher Columbus. We ended this tour at Santa Maria del Mar, a beautiful church from the Gothic period. Here is a picture of one of Picasso's murals:

We then met up with Kate, and our group was complete. We went back to the market (Hannah and Kate hadn't been yet) and got lunch and sat outside to enjoy our meat, cheese, and chocolate. Obviously, I loved the market for the glorious amount of food it provided for me, but it was also fun to talk about food and ask questions about it in Spanish. It was crazy packed both times we went, but it was so much fun (plus the food was incredible!).

We then went back to the hostel for a short siesta before heading up to Montjuic (I still don't know how to pronounce that). We took the "fun funicular" up and then walked through a sculpture garden to end up at the Joan Miro Museum. All five of us were allowed one thing that we really wanted to see, and this was mine. I definitely kinda forced a few people into it, but it ended up being spectacular. I didn't know a lot about Miro before, so I was able to learn so much and thus appreciate him that much more. Art snob sidebar (blame my father): it is interesting to me that his late work is much more well known than his earlier work. I realize that a lot of his earlier work is experimenting with the ideas of others, and his later work really is his own style, but I felt that the early work was a much better representation of him and the world that he was living in at the moment. I can say now that I like Miro a lot more than I did before I went to the museum and that is distinctly because I was able to see his earlier works.

Anywho, after the Museum we tried to get up to the Castle on Montjuic, but we confused so we just walked to the Olympic Stadium. Fun fact: they built that stadium for the 1936 Olympics, but Barcelona did not win the bid because of the Spanish Civil War. Thus, when they did win the bid for the 1992 Olympics, there was one last thing they had to build! Hannah and I came up with this picture idea and we made everyone go along with it, keep in mind Katie doesn't like the Olympics so we believe the girl in the middle in the back row was trying to sabotage our great idea. Take a look for yourself:

We then tried to see the Magic Fountain at Plaza Espanol, but the hostel told us the wrong time and we were getting cold and hungry. We decided to cook again in the hostel, but the stove wasn't working so we made little sandwiches and did what Americans do best--order pizza! That night we went to a bar/club with the hostel and met a bunch of great people that were staying at the same hostel. Unfortunately, it started raining which kind of put a damper on the whole night, so a few of us went home and got ready for the next tour!

The next morning we woke up and made our way to the next free tour, the subject this time: Gaudi. We didn't go into any of the houses because it costs money and we were on the FREE tour, but it was perfect because you got a really good idea of the architecture from the outside. Plus, let's be realistic, the facade is the coolest part. Anyway, we first had a look at the Palau Guell, with its 15 awesome chimneys all decorated like they belonged in a child's imagination. We then took a subway ride to the two private houses that Gaudi was commissioned for on Passeig de Gracia--Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera). Casa Batllo was simply a fairytale with its bright colors, and swirling tile. La Pedrera was a masterpiece in a much different way. Definitely not "pretty," La Pedrera had a much stronger social commentary and a few silent digs at the philandering owner throughout the balcony architecture.

And then, Sagrada Familia. Obviously, it was incredible. The Nativity and Passion Facades are completely different from each other and both are unlike anything I've ever seen. And the inside--well, that is just even more gorgeous. Since it is being built in so many different time periods, the building itself reflects this and sometimes I found myself reminding myself that this was to be a church. It wasn't necessarily pretty, but it was the most incredible, awe-inspiring piece of architecture I have seen in awhile. Here is a picture of the five of us outside the Nativity Facade:


And then to finish out our tourist time in Barcelona and our Day of Gaudi, we went to Park Guell, which just slightly nudges out the Miro Museum for my favorite thing in Barcelona. Full of sun, people, music, and unadulterated happiness, Guell was exactly what I imagined it to be. We ate lunch here and took a siesta in the sun, enjoying our surroundings and the amazing view provided for us. We were also utterly exhausted, so it was great to be in a tourist location relaxing and trying to blend in with the locals. After Guell, we ventured back to the hostel for a more serious siesta (and finding out that our flight wouldn't be canceled due to the volcano!), dinner, and another night out on the town of Barcelona. I can easily say that we all went home Sunday exhausted and happy with the trip we had just finished.

Barcelona also marked the end of our traveling in Spain. With the exception of the beach tomorrow, the next time I leave Granada will be to go to Torremolinos for 3 days before I head back to the States. Tomorrow is the 2.5 week mark, which means a lot of stuff going on here and my readiness to go home becoming more and more apparent. This coming week is our last week of classes and then the following is finals, so it will be pretty nonstop from here until the end. Just this week alone I have a final, a final presentation, and a flamenco show! I'm excited for these last two weeks here, but I am also getting very excited to come. British Airways is possibly going on strike while I am coming home, but I should be in the clear in regards to my flights not being canceled. In fact, since I can move my flights for free because of the strike, I am going to try to move my flight up a day so that I don't have to spend a day alone in Spain and I can get home quicker (surprise!). Nothing is official yet, but it would be a nice surprise. But right now, I am just going to enjoy the little time I have left here and soak up every possible thing that I can because soon enough, this will no longer be home.

I'll try to write a quick note in sometime before I leave Granada, if not I'll definitely do one while I'm at the beach! I can't believe this is one of my last posts!

Hasta luego!

El Capital

So, I was able to find some time in between my two back-to-back trips to fill you in so as to not have one HUGE post next week--aren't I nice?!?!

Anyway, Saturday morning we (Val, Katie, Lindsay and I) got up bright and early around 5:30am in order to make it to the bus station for our 7am bus ride. The ride is 5 hours to Madrid, the perfect amount of time to catch up on the sleep we missed that same morning.

When we got to Madrid it was about noon, so we checked into our hostel and proceeded to the Parque Retiro to start our sightseeing while eating our picnics that our host families had packed for us. When we walked into the park, we might have well have walked into a green dream. Bigger than anything I could have ever imagined, it was absolutely gorgeous. Trees, flowers, grass, and a ton of people--it is best described as a bigger and better Central Park. The best thing about the park was the lake where you could row boats. We didn't rent one, but we had a lot of fun eating and watching (and sometimes laughing) at those that did. Here is a picture of the ladies in the park:

We then had a disheartening realization--May 1st is Spain's Labor Day which meant that all of the museums were closed. But, have no fear, we improvised! We walked to Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol to get the outside sightseeing done. Lindsay and Val then went to a bullfight (they said it was a very good thing that I didn't go) and Katie and I got some sangria and then walked over to the Palacio Real to take pictures outside of it (more on that later). We then wandered to the Catedral, but couldn't go in because a wedding was taking place. But, no fear, we sat there for a half hour stalking the wedding party waiting for the bride to arrive. In case you were curious, the dress was a disappointment, but her arrival car was anything but.

A side note on the architecture in Madrid. Before this weekend, I had only visited Spanish cities in Andalucia, which has very similar styles because of the Islamic influences. However, in Madrid, there was never a strong Arab influence and thus the architecture is much more European. Instead of reminding me of Granada or Sevilla, Madrid reminded me of (a poor man's) Paris. Don't get me wrong, it was GORGEOUS, it was just very interesting to see apartments andbuildings that were very cosmopolitan, relatively new, and put simply--big city-like. But, I guess that makes sense since Madrid has been the capital of Spain since around the 1800s.

Okay, continuing. Saturday night was nothing special minus the fact that I had THAI FOOD for the first time I've been here which was more than necessary. Katie and I went to a bar/club which was much different than the ones in Granada, but enjoyable just the same. We then crawled into bed, blissfully unaware of the day ahead.

Sunday was crazy. We wanted to get all the museums in, but we wanted to leave on the 5:30pm bus to Granada; and thus, the challenge was formed. First, we walked back to the Palacio Real and saw the front side and the catedral that is next to it. Another Paris reference, think of the Palacio as a smaller, less ornate version of Versailles. However, there are distinct differences, two that are crucial. One, Palacio Real was used more as a government building and less as a residence than Versailles. Second, parts of the Palacio Real are still used today for events. Katie and I being the political junkies that we are, paid to go inside and take the tour and boy, was it worth it. Gorgeous room, upon gorgeous room--favorite was definitely the Throne Room--but unfortunately, they were much stricter here about the no pictures rule. But, here is a picture of Katie an I outside the Palacio:

We then walked to the Reina Sofia and had a ball with Picasso and Miro. It was not the best collection I have ever seen, but I read in Frommers that they are trying to be the Spanish Centre Pompidou, and I definitely see that in the future. Obviously, the most incredible thing in there was Picasso´s Guernica. We stood there in awe of its beauty, in awe of how huge it is, in awe of the detail. I had no idea how big the painting was, so to turn right and just see...it, well that was just indescribable. The thought process used for each stroke, created an eye, a face, a being that means so much more than I can know without learning about it in an art history class. Regardless, it was incredible and definitely a highlight of the trip.

After lunch, we went to the Prado and headed directly for Velázquez's Las Meninas. It was incredibly impressive, as was the entire museum, but as we know that kind of art (religious, portraits, studies) is not my favorite kind of art, but I definitely was able to appreciate the work done. The building itself was gorgeous (much prettier than the Reina Sofia which is an old hospital) and overall, it was an enjoyable museum.

We then booked it to the bus station and made it there at 5pm-perfect for the bus! Minus the fact that the 5:30pm was full. As was the 6:30. So, we got on the 7:30pm which wasn't what we wanted, but it ended up being fine. We got back around 1am and I promptly crawled into bed and passed out.

Overall, I had a lot of fun in Madrid, which I was actually surprised about. I expected it to be a just another large city, but Madrid has an identity of its own. I realize that throughout this post, I have compared it on more than one occassion to Paris, but Madrid is definitely not Paris, it is most definitely Spain. After every trip, I think about if I could see myself studying there instead of Granada, and as of right now, Madrid is the only one that came close to an argument. Realistically, it is far too big for me, but its interesting because it wasn't even an option for me when I was considering whree to study abroad this semester. Regardless, its always nice to come home again.

Speaking of Granada, to end this post I'm going to leave you with a few pictures from Dia de los Cruces. It was Monday and we had the afternoon off from classes to walk around the city and explore. It is kind of a made-up holiday, but basically there are crosses made up of red carnations all across the city with decorations surrounding it. Basically, it is an excuse for people to drink earlier in the day and dress up in flamenco dresses and dance. The mixture of cultures (flamenco and Christianity) is what makes Granada great and a great time was had by all.

Tomorrow, I leave for Barcelona until Sunday, which should be a lot of fun. It´s my last big trip before the end of the program and it is very bittersweet. The end is on everyone´s mind, but we are just trying to enjoy every single moment we have left here.

Must go to flamenco class! But I won't be wearing this (or have Juanie behind me)...

Hasta luego!

The Final Stretch

A month from today, I will be in Torremolinos (Malaga) at the beach for 4 days. A month from Monday, I'll be on a flight home. Wow.

This is a really quick post because this week has been filled with class and homework, but I just cannot believe that time has flown this quickly. Even at home things are changing: younger brothers are going to college, mitzvahs are happening in Short Hills on Sunday, and the beach house is being opened for another summer of sun and beer. I have my internship for the summer and beginning to think about what happens after Brandeis. Life is changing, new things coming--and I could not be more excited.

I have been a little homesick this week with such exciting things going on at home that I cannot be a part of. With so much of the bad stuff out of the way (let's just chalk it up to April being a bad month) I am so happy to have good news crossing the Atlantic in both directions. The thought of going home is definitely scary, partly because I'm not ready and partly because I am.

Yesterday, I had the most amazing afternoon spent with 3 Spaniards and 3 Israelis--all spoke perfect Spanish. As the only American (and the youngest) I finally had what I wanted, a place at a table where I was the minority. It is experiences like that which remind me of everything I have yet to do here. But, I am trying to cover as much ground as possible: tomorrow I am going to Madrid for 2 days and next Thursday I am going to Barcelona for the weekend. But after that, I have 3 weekends left, one of which I will be studying for finals. Where did the time go? I had so much more planned to do! I have barely started my tan and my Spanish is only so-so! As they say, if you don't finish it now, its just an excuse to come back later, but I can't help and try to think of what I've done and feel like I've been sitting around twiddling my thumbs despite the fact that I know that isn't true.

But, at the same time, I'm excited to go home. I'm excited for my bed, Jordan, summer grilling, and a great internship that I am going to learn so much from. I am also excited to see how this trip is going to effect me in the "real world" back home and how its going to feel being back in the States after 4 months. I'm ready to put what I've learned to the test and adapt it to my life. I want to share my experiences with friends and family and give them a taste of la vida espanola.

Either way you cut it, I'm home in a month and it is very bittersweet. Regardless, I plan to spend the last 4 weeks living up the life and taking advantage of every possible second that I am in Granada. This semester is not over and there is even more time to make this the experience of my lifetime. First I have to do some Spanish homework...

Hopefully I'll be able to write in between Madrid and Barcelona and if not, get ready for lots of pictures!

Hasta luego!

My African Dream

I'm going to be in Africa. A continent I never thought I would get to. Africa. Morocco. Not Sub-Saharan Africa. An Arab country--in Africa.

This was kinda of my thought process before I went to Morocco at the end of last week for a 4 day adventure into an unknown world. I had no expectations, some hesitations, and an overwhelming craving to learn and be proven wrong. There were a lot of things that I was preparing myself for: a Jew in an Arab country, a girl in an Arab country, staying in a home for two nights. Regardless, I was going--with a backpack, a camera, and an open mind.

I guess its important to first mention that we went to Gibraltar on Thursday, a British territory on the Spanish peninsula. It was a very strange place where they had British accents, yet I was able to walk across the border to Spain (after walking through the airport of course). The only cool thing: a monkey on my head!
Friday morning we woke up bright and early (6:30am) to catch the ferry from Algecerias, Spain to Tangers, Morocco to begin our adventure, and boy did we hit the ground running. We started at Darna's Women Center, a government-run center that helps divorced, widowed, or other women who are in difficult economic situations learn skills--weaving, sewing, French, computer literacy--to be able to support their families. This is extraordinary in a country where women have only recently begun to have the freedoms that American women have celebrated since the last century. It was so impressive to see these women at work, creating objects that will directly help them and their families. We sat down with two Moroccans, one man and one woman (who was wearing the veil), and had our first delicious cous cous meal with Moroccan tea. The two of them got into a few heated arguments regarding various topics such as arranged marriages (he was for, she against) and religion in Morocco. Zakariah (the man), was definitely reactionary and liked to say things that sparked a heated conversation--Iraq War, Israel v. Palestine, and even World War II and Hitler. It was an extreme way to be introduced to this new culture, but it allowed for the rest of the people that I met to settle happily in the middle.

We then went to Assilah, a coastal town (the other side of the Atlantic!) with a lot of buildings painted green and/or blue. Green is the color of Islam and blue dates back to the strong Jewish population that was present in Morocco until 1948 with the creation of Israel. It was a gorgeous town with beautiful murals that are painted/repainted every year during a summer arts festival. Here is one:

Now, let's talk Rabat homestay. It was extremely difficult because we (Katie and I) were unable to speak either language that most Moroccans speak (Arabic and French) and thus resulted in a lot of silence and big gestures. The granddaughter spoke very good English and was extremely helpful when she was there, but that was not all the time so there were some definite awkward moments. However, none of that mattered with the food we were served. Everything was so delicious, that we happily sat in silence eating everything that was placed in front of us (obviously will be posted at the bottom).

Saturday, we did some basic Rabat tourist sites such as the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V and Chellah (Roman ruins) and then we walked around with Moroccan students in the afternoon. This was really interesting because we were able to talk to them not only as Moroccans, but as peers. We talked about how they see themselves as modern and yet recognize that Morocco is far from liberal. Few of them prayed, some of them smoked, all of them were in college (education is free all the way through PhD), and one even admitted to having a girlfriend (but he refused to say her name because he didn't want his friends to tell people). Being with them provided us another peephole into the complex country and culture of Morocco. There is a ongoing battle, especially in cities such as Rabat, between modernity and tradition, religious and secular. The younger generations of Morocco are definitely creating and/or moving the line of comfort for many older Moroccans, especially now with a King who is open about mistakes made by previous kings (aka his male relatives), and it will be interesting to see how Morocco changes in the coming decades.

Then, Saturday night was the night--the Hamam night. The Arab bath was an opportunity that none of us could pass up and were willing to throw ourselves into as a cultural learning experience. Picture a sauna, with water faucets, and 20 American girls in their bathing suits (many with their top off like a true Moroccan) taking a shower/bath for the first time since Thursday. Needless to say, there was slight chaos and a few near girl fights, but I had the most incredible time. I got scrubbed by a Moroccan woman and literally had to rinse off the dead skin that she had scraped off my body. Then, I had a 15minutes massage where another woman lathered me up with body wash, gave me a chiropractic adjustment to last these final 6 weeks, and massaged every muscle in my body. Needless to say, Dr. Eric has been replaced. I truly felt like it was right here that I let all my inhibitions go and dive into this new culture that was capturing my attention. After the Hamam we did a very tourist-y (and Arab) henna session. Mine of course got smushed and is not as pretty or as dark as all the others, but there is a possibility that I may get another one done while I am still in Granada.

Then, Sunday we did a lot of bus travel and ended up in a village in the Rif Mountains. Here we had lunch with and met Mohamed and Aziza, farmers who live in this village, yet have the minds and ideas well-educated American. With the help of a translator, Aziza's brother Jahoud, Mohamed asked us questions about what we thought the reasons for the global economic crisis were, our views on long term relationships that do not end up in marriage, and what we wanted to do when we grew up. Many people had envisioned this to be Morocco: rural, lots of stray dogs, green farms; but even this surprised us. These people had so much knowledge and so much interest in speaking with us and learning more, it was inspiring to me to truly take advantage of the opportunities I have to learn and explore with ease.

We had our last night in Chefchaoven where I put my Jewish/New York haggling skills to the test and was able to get some very impressive deals for gifts both for myself and for friends and family at home. We had a wonderful meal just the group of 14 and then went back to the hostel and did what I love most: reflect. People spoke about culture shock, shattered stereotypes, cravings to make changes. It was here that I was truly able to appreciate my friends here in Granada. No one else knows what it has been like to study abroad in Granada during the Spring of 2010, and no one else ever will. They are my family here and they will be my support when I am homesick for my new home. I am so grateful for them and the relationships we have formed and am so sad to have to say goodbye in 6 weeks.

Monday we entered Spain in Ceuta, Spain's land border with Morocco and then hopped on a ferry that was late due to the fact that many ferries were in use in other parts of Europe due to the lack of airplanes in all of Europe. Hungry and tired, we arrived back in Granada around 9pm and boy, was I happy to be back. It is an amazing experience to travel around Europe (and Africa) and I am truly grateful, however, as I have said time and time to again, Granada is home, and there is no place like it.

Overall, Morocco was eye-opening. I don't know exactly what will come of it, but I know only good things. If nothing else, it will liven up the dinner conversations between Simons and Kaufmans. One thing I do know is that my perceptions of the "Arab world" were false. We cannot classify every Arab country into a world, it is impossible. I would argue that you can barely classify all Moroccans in one group. Morocco is a country that is diverse in thought and actions and brimming with people who are ready to learn and explore new ideas. As Americans, most countries are seen as traditional and extremely conservative in many ways. However, this trip has proven the idea that you cannot judge every country based on one country's wealth and/or power. Morocco is wealthy and powerful and an ally to the United States--all in their own way. It is this idea that each country should be looked as a separate entity that many people fail to grasp. Here is hoping that people do, because a country with the beauty that I saw in the past four days deserves to be seen as an individual in the masses.

This week is a really short week and I believe I will be spending one of the days this weekend at the beach. As of Thursday, I officially only have 6 weeks left in Granada. Not ready to make peace with that quite yet, guess that's a good sign.

Hasta luego!

FOOD: MOROCCO EDITION
tea--mint with a lot a lot of sugar aka DELICIOUS
cous cous (chicken and vegetarian)
chicken with potato in this yellow sauce
chicken with sliced potatoes that had been baked (keep in mind these all have names that I just don't know)
lentil soup (different than Spanish, just as good)
cold, cooked, spiced carrots
beets (I tried them again Dad--still no luck)
kidney bean-like beans with some sauce
bread-reminded of matzah but a lot better (hard to explain)
filo-doughy breakfast thing
crepe pancake?
goat-mozzarella cheese mix
filo dough filled with chicken with powdered sugar and cinnamon on top (it was a meal)
more tea, more bread

"Graci-shit!-Merci"

That quote can basically sum up my time in Paris. I'm joking, but I did have issues with remembering that even though I was in a country that spoke a foreign language, it was not the foreign language that I speak or understand.

PARIS!

How many people get to say that they were in Paris for a week with their parents AND their friends? Very few. Except for this one!

I am not going to bore you with the minute details, because most of the sightseeing in Paris is standard: Louvre, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triumphe, Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Sainte Chapelle, Sacre Coer, Le Marais, Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg and Tuilleries Gardens, Versailles, and lots and lots of delicious food.

The important part about this trip was the company. Seeing my family was the perfect spring break plan and something that I needed more than I realized beforehand. We spent a little bit of time in Granada before and I got to show off my new stomping grounds and language skills. Then, when we got to Paris, the Simon Family sprung into action and did Paris in the only way we know how--efficiently and in its entirety. It is the first family vacation we have taken since I've been at Brandeis that hasn't been a week on LBI or skiing, so it was great to know that we've still got it in us. As Mom put it- minimal yelling and bickering and a great time, maybe there is hope that we can keep doing this. Overall, seeing the family was grounding, necessary, and a brief-but exciting- look into how the four of us will function once my parents become (gasp!) empty nesters. Here is the one picture of people posing I took with my parents (Mom was in charge of people, I was in charge of things):

In front of the Louvre on our first day!

When my parents left on Friday, I moved in with Julie and Morgan for the weekend of fun with the girls in Paris. It was definitely a different experience, seeing Paris with contemporaries versus my family. With a much more relaxed stride, we saw the city with a very different eye, one that I appreciated thoroughly. It was really interesting to be with friends from Brandeis in Europe and it definitely brought to light how I have already begun to change during my time over here. I don't know what is going to happen in the coming months here and when I come back, but I know there will be some culture shock and this past weekend opened my eyes to just how much I have been changing in my time over here (that's a different post). Most importantly, I got to see the City of Lights with some great company and had many laughs, most at Morgan's expense. Here are the two lovely ladies in front of the St. Michel fountain:


To no one's surprise, the Paris trip was an unbelievable success, but it was great to come home to Granada too. I missed Juanie and my friends, home cooking, and my room. This is my new home and as fun as it was to go away, it was just as fun to come back. Next Thursday I leave to go to MOROCCO for five days which I am so excited for, mere words cannot express. So, unless something happens that I feel the need to share, the next time I write I will have been to AFRICA!

Hasta luego!

FOOD PARIS EDITION:
escargot
ox knuckle
creme brulee
onion soup
pate
foie gras
goat cheese and prosciotto salad
cheesecake
walnut, goat cheese, and salad crepe
caramelized apple and vanilla ice cream crepe
apricot jam crepe
beef tartar
salmon bruchetta
duck confit with salad
duck confit in a raspberry and honey reduction
duck breast
chocolate souffle
falafel
beef carpaccio
lasagna
tuna carpaccio
mussels
chocolate mousse
mushroom, tomato, and cheese crepe
banana, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream crepe
roasted cod with farfel and chorizo
creme brulee with mashed apples
macaroons: pistachio, chocolate, raspberry, caramel, lemon, rasberry chocolate, rose petal, apricot/pistachio/saffron, vanilla/olive oil, strawberry/wasabi...
BREAD

Mid-semester Evaluation

All the talk about midterm elections in November (shocker, I am keeping up with US politics) I've decided to do a mid-semester evaluation of my time here in Granada because as of yesterday, it has officially been two months since I started my program.

This week was exceptionally rough due to this weird thing called homework and studying. Three midterms in three days was not the most pleasant experience of Granada and stress-usually my most common emotion-reappeared in my life and it had a less than stellar stay. I also felt really disconnected from home and felt extremely incapable of doing anything productive regarding home, school, or (especially) this summer. I missed a few deadlines because I wasn't on top of my stuff and was not being pestered by e-mails and yet when I bother other people with e-mails, I rarely get a response. These types of situations have been extremely stressful, especially during a stressful week.

However, overall this continues to be an incredible experience. Between friends, trips, and the daily events that make this time so special, I truly am discovering a new part of myself that I have enjoyed meeting. I am so happy that I chose Granada-it truly represents and has provided for me everything that I wanted out of my time abroad--new experiences, a new home, interesting people, and plenty of stories.

I have finally begun to see a true improvement in my Spanish. If nothing else, I have become more confident/less scared to say something wrong. This has allowed for a greater relationship with Juanie and Nuvie and the opportunity to walk around the city by myself with confidence knowing that I will be able to say and get what I want. I love this language and am so excited that I feel knowledgeable in it.

Tomorrow my parents and Dylan arrive into Granada and I am anxious to show them the city that has quickly become my home. I think that everyone at home will have a greater understanding of what is going on over here once they can hear it from the horse's mouth (because we know Barb Simon doesn't lie). Monday morning we leave for Paris we are spending a week and I am eventually meeting up with Julie--another person that I am really excited to see in this environment. It is definitely time for a little bit of home to come here, but I can truly say that I am not ready to come home yet. There is still so much to do, so many places to see, and so many more stories to be told.

So for those keeping score, know this. Granada is incredible. I feel amazing for the most part. Europe is changing me in ways that I am proud of and comfortable with. And I am about to have the most amazing Spring Break with a few of my favorite people from the States.

Below, is a picture of one of the most memorable days in Spain: skiing in the Sierra Nevada. Part of me putting this up is to make Jonah Cohen EXTREMELY jealous, but mostly, here is a taste of how incredible my life is right now. And yes, we were skiing above the clouds.Now I leave you to pack for my week in Paris!

Hasta luego!

So I don't have any more food...so here is a picture of Granada from the Alhambra!