As I start to write this post I don't know whether to cry or laugh; maybe that's because I was a mixture of both yesterday when I saw...wait for it...the LOVE of my life: IKER CASILLAS, aka the most gorgeous soccer player ever, aka one of the best goalies in the world, aka my only celebrity obsession.
Let me break it all down for you. We live in a neighborhood this year where Sundays are packed all day and night with young people sitting on terrazas, drinking, and socializing with friends. Because all three of those things happen to highly interest both Marta and myself, we of course step just outside our door every Sunday and partake in these "Sunday Fundays" (sometimes accompanied with a rude awakening Monday morning). Amongst the plethora of bars in our area, there is one called "El Viajero" that is three stories and has a rooftop terrace which can only be accessed after putting your name on a waiting list. So, Marta and I were well on our way with our bar hopping when we decided to put our name on the list for the terrace and see what this place was all about.
My friend Isa had told me before that on weekends when Casillas is not having an away game, that he likes to go to "El Viajero" on Sundays with his news reporter girlfriend <cough...BITCH...cough> to enjoy some copas. Well I must have forgotten because had I remembered I wouldn't have been so STUPID as to LEAVEEEEEEE the rooftop after only having one drink with Marta. WHO DOES THAT?! Who puts their name on a waiting list for a super trendy, popular rooftop terrace on a beautiful day and decides to UP AND LEAVE after one drink and bar hop to explore other nearby places!?!?! Well, apparently THIS girl does and let me tell you it will never happen again because of what I'm about to tell you next...
We leave El Viajero in great spirits with intentions to cross over to the next bar when I'm walking down the side street where there is hardly ANY people and I see this couple approaching me. Marta is walking ahead of me and I start to slow down as they pass RIGHT next to me and I do a double take and think to myself , 'is that Casillas?!' I dismiss the possibility and think that since nobody is harassing them then it must just be someone who looks like him. Just to make sure I catch up to Marta and say, "dude, i think that's Casillas and his girlfriend!" Marta looks and quickly says "no, no that doesnt look like his girlfriend, no way". I see a group of girls ahead of us gathered around each other and looking at them and talking and after asking them if it was Casillas and they responded with a "yes and his girlfriend", I. WANTED. TO. DIE!!!!!!!!! Not only was I in such close proximity to my obsession without saying a word to him or asking for a picture, but WHEREEEEEE did Iker and Sara decide to go?
...EL. VI.A.JER.OOOOOOOOOOO. ughhhhhhh!! That's right! We had just LEFT the rooftop bar that he was going up to sit at, which would have created an oportune moment to meet this beautiful man.
Afterward we were laughing, hearts racing, and almost in tears.
I guess the upside of the situation is at least I can say that I was an arm's length away from such a huge celebrity and from the man who's face is pictured and posted outside my bedroom door.
Lesson learned: NEVER just have ONE drink and leave.
Oh! And you can bet I'll be at El Viajero every Sunday!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Continuous Journey
Hellllllooo readers! Or maybe it should be "reader" since I only have 1 follower (thanks Liana)! haha, HOWEVER I know for a fact that my parents read this so that's good, I guess? Anyway, it's Tuesday evening at around 8 PM and because we still lack internet in our flat I am at the local vegan restaurant again writing all of you as I sit outside sipping a glass of vino. :)
This past weekend was CRAZY! I really think I am getting too old for this, but considering it was the end of summer and everyone's last and first weekend in Madrid before school started up, I had no choice but to party down. Having said that, I went out Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday nights. Our area is known for its "Sunday Fundays" with streets crowded and young people bar hopping but there was just NO WAY that we were going to make it this past weekend. I think Marta and I woke up at around 4:30 PM on Sunday! haha...Liana shamed us both by getting up early all weekend (mind you she stayed out as late as we did) and going for a run and being productive. Marta and I blame our old age (nevermind the fact that we are only 3-4 years older than Liana, haha).
It was great hanging out with both old and new friends, American AND Spanish. I got to hang out and party with Isa again, one of my good spanish friends who I adore and also her boyfriend Juanito. I also got told that it was VERY possible to receive an autographed shirt signed to me by Casillas around my birthday or sometime this year. Now, whether or not this will really happen is still up in the air but based off this person's connections things are looking very promising!! ahhhhh i would DIE!
Sundays are always my downer days. I think the combination of coming down from the alcohol, preparing for the week's lesson plans, cleaning, getting organized, and having time to reflect and miss family and my comfortable surroundings tend to get to me on this "day of rest". Due to feeling kind of down, I felt myself being called to go to mass. There are several GORGEOUS chapels and cathedrals near our flat because we are in the very center. Earlier this week I had checked out the times for one of them and they offer mass every weeknight at 7:30 in their chapel. I was probably one of 12 people there on Monday night and BY FAR the youngest one (young people are not religious at all in this country). I instantly felt calm from the moment I stepped into that church and was able to be still. It was so relaxing and peaceful to sit there and look at the incredibly detailed alter and side alters that had been carefully carved from both wood and marble. Even though the mass was simple and small, it was so beautiful in various ways. First, there were about 6 young nuns who were kneeled on the floor in front of the alter and with mics above them, they sang Acapella like angels. It was seriously probably the most beautiful singing I had ever heard in my life. It was also beautiful in that obviously the entire mass was in spanish and I felt both proud and blessed to be attending a service in my second language and to understand it all almost completely. It was like the mass was spoken directly to me, emphasizing the point that God knows all of our hearts and nothing is invisible to him. Of course I am human and a huge sinner, but it was reassuring to hear that God is a GOd of mercy and always forgives, and that most importantly he knows our hearts, which I thought was beautiful because I feel like I relate in that I have been gifted to see into other's hearts as well.
Enough of that...just wanted to voice that last night was definitely needed for me.
Today was another great day at school. I feel more myself this year at my colegio and more comfortable with my classes, teachers, and students overall. The three year olds were crying a lot and I basically am just introducing myself to those classes this week and playing a couple of games seeing as though this is their first couple of weeks away from their mommys and daddys and they are NOT liking it one bit.
After school today I went for a run and explored a new area of where I live. I definitely had a "WoW" moment when I came to the realization that I live literally a couple of blocks from the royal palace, the almudena cathedral, gran via, and so much more. I think I even made a smirk at some point during the jog like a true dork but I simply couldn't believe it. I love when I have those moments.
That's all I can think of right now. All of my friends (including my roomies) who are doing the program this year got placed in Infantil which they were NOT expecting but I'm certain they are all going to do great and will definitely have my assistance along the way from my experience with the little ones and also the masters classes.
Hopefully I'll get some good sleep tonight. It's difficult because our windows are so close to all of our neighbors and everyone has their windows open seeing as how hot it is outside and spaniards BLARE their televisions until like 1 or 2 in the morning! I had to take an advil PM to assist me in sleeping but the backlash is that it's super difficult for me to wake up. UGH! All in good time...
Welp, whoever is reading this I hope you were able to enjoy your read and get a little glimpse of my last few days here in Madrid!
BESOS! OS QUIERO!
This past weekend was CRAZY! I really think I am getting too old for this, but considering it was the end of summer and everyone's last and first weekend in Madrid before school started up, I had no choice but to party down. Having said that, I went out Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday nights. Our area is known for its "Sunday Fundays" with streets crowded and young people bar hopping but there was just NO WAY that we were going to make it this past weekend. I think Marta and I woke up at around 4:30 PM on Sunday! haha...Liana shamed us both by getting up early all weekend (mind you she stayed out as late as we did) and going for a run and being productive. Marta and I blame our old age (nevermind the fact that we are only 3-4 years older than Liana, haha).
It was great hanging out with both old and new friends, American AND Spanish. I got to hang out and party with Isa again, one of my good spanish friends who I adore and also her boyfriend Juanito. I also got told that it was VERY possible to receive an autographed shirt signed to me by Casillas around my birthday or sometime this year. Now, whether or not this will really happen is still up in the air but based off this person's connections things are looking very promising!! ahhhhh i would DIE!
Sundays are always my downer days. I think the combination of coming down from the alcohol, preparing for the week's lesson plans, cleaning, getting organized, and having time to reflect and miss family and my comfortable surroundings tend to get to me on this "day of rest". Due to feeling kind of down, I felt myself being called to go to mass. There are several GORGEOUS chapels and cathedrals near our flat because we are in the very center. Earlier this week I had checked out the times for one of them and they offer mass every weeknight at 7:30 in their chapel. I was probably one of 12 people there on Monday night and BY FAR the youngest one (young people are not religious at all in this country). I instantly felt calm from the moment I stepped into that church and was able to be still. It was so relaxing and peaceful to sit there and look at the incredibly detailed alter and side alters that had been carefully carved from both wood and marble. Even though the mass was simple and small, it was so beautiful in various ways. First, there were about 6 young nuns who were kneeled on the floor in front of the alter and with mics above them, they sang Acapella like angels. It was seriously probably the most beautiful singing I had ever heard in my life. It was also beautiful in that obviously the entire mass was in spanish and I felt both proud and blessed to be attending a service in my second language and to understand it all almost completely. It was like the mass was spoken directly to me, emphasizing the point that God knows all of our hearts and nothing is invisible to him. Of course I am human and a huge sinner, but it was reassuring to hear that God is a GOd of mercy and always forgives, and that most importantly he knows our hearts, which I thought was beautiful because I feel like I relate in that I have been gifted to see into other's hearts as well.
Enough of that...just wanted to voice that last night was definitely needed for me.
Today was another great day at school. I feel more myself this year at my colegio and more comfortable with my classes, teachers, and students overall. The three year olds were crying a lot and I basically am just introducing myself to those classes this week and playing a couple of games seeing as though this is their first couple of weeks away from their mommys and daddys and they are NOT liking it one bit.
After school today I went for a run and explored a new area of where I live. I definitely had a "WoW" moment when I came to the realization that I live literally a couple of blocks from the royal palace, the almudena cathedral, gran via, and so much more. I think I even made a smirk at some point during the jog like a true dork but I simply couldn't believe it. I love when I have those moments.
That's all I can think of right now. All of my friends (including my roomies) who are doing the program this year got placed in Infantil which they were NOT expecting but I'm certain they are all going to do great and will definitely have my assistance along the way from my experience with the little ones and also the masters classes.
Hopefully I'll get some good sleep tonight. It's difficult because our windows are so close to all of our neighbors and everyone has their windows open seeing as how hot it is outside and spaniards BLARE their televisions until like 1 or 2 in the morning! I had to take an advil PM to assist me in sleeping but the backlash is that it's super difficult for me to wake up. UGH! All in good time...
Welp, whoever is reading this I hope you were able to enjoy your read and get a little glimpse of my last few days here in Madrid!
BESOS! OS QUIERO!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
IKEA adventures
I look a little crazy-eyed person in this picture but at least you can get a feel for my new nose piercing! Liana and I are currently at the local Vegan restaurant around the corner from our house which also has outdoor seating in a plaza. This place will definitely get to know us until we get our internet installed in a couple of weeks.
First off, let me start out by saying that this weather has been AMAZING!! I know everything is relative so perhaps it's because I'm accustomed to the hot sauna that is Texas, but I am not exaggerating when I say that the past few days have felt like fall--my FAVORITE season! There is also a drastic difference between the daytime temperatures and those in the evening. Last night Liana and I went to grab a drink and were actually cold in leggings AND a blazer! Needless to say, this beautiful weather is definitely putting me in a wonderful mood! :)
So, remember the neighbors that were mentioned in the previous post? Well, update on that one. Last night I was making dinner in the kitchen and was right next to the window. I saw some movement below me and to the left side of my vision, and wouldn't ya know that I looked down and these two guys are in their kitchen (one of which I'm almost positive is the "naked poop boy") staring up at Liana and I and attempting to speak broken english that consisted of: "Hello, neighbor. I want to see you! Do you and your friend want coffee?" hahaha, it was hilarious, and although they are SO not attractive, I got embarrassed and had to walk away! Seeing as though they live with their mother (at least one) I'm confident in the fact that they are harmless, silly little men that will provide us with humorous encounters to come.
Today the roomies and myself ventured out to the mall that has an IKEA connected to it and our flat is beginning to feel more and more like home! Everything was super cheap but decent quality--enough to suffice for a year! I bought a comforter and a duvet cover, some new curtains for my room, some vine/flower wall art, a full-length mirror, extra set of sheets, etc. As a household we bought some more pots and pans, bowls, bathroom hand towel, sharp knives, tupperware, AND we got our TV box thing so we should be able to pick up AT LEAST the basic channels which will know doubt help us with our spanish! Pictures of the flat, including my room are soon to come!
Tonight I think I'm going to grab a drink with my friend Amber and probably Liana and then tomorrow there is the start-up of Madrid's fashion week or something that I'm getting very excited for. Tomorrow we are going to go to this opening event which has free food and I'm sure displays of clothes/shopping (AKA WINDOW SHOPPING, BECAUSE I'M BROKE).
This weekend I'm sure will be very eventful, full of fiestas since it is the last weekend before we all start up with teaching. I am meeting with my director at my school on Monday afternoon to sign official contract, go over my schedule for the year, and I'm sure go by some of my classrooms that I work in to say hi to my teacher friends! I'm assuming that I will start up work then on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Here is me and my roomie Liana!
Well, now it's time to sign off! Until next time!
Besos!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Bienvenido a Madrid!...otra vez!
Well folks...I made it! I am back living in Madrid for a second year, making this my third time to live in Madrid! Did I think this would ever happen back in high school, or even college? NO. WAY. But hey, as the saying goes: "everything happens for a reason", and whatever the reason may be whether short-term or long-term, I gotta say...it feels damn good to be back!
Last year when I was in Madrid I attempted to start a blog and tried my hardest to keep up with it, but I just got too busy. This year I am going to try yet again to have a blog and am confident that without my masters classes I will keep all of (or lack thereof) my fellow readers entertained! :)
This year is already feeling better than last year. Not that last year wasn't an amazing experience. It's just that this year I will have so much more free time, I'm familiar with my teachers and students at the school that I work at, NO masters classes, and I feel more confident in general--with the city, the language, the people, etc. I have already fallen in love with my neighborhood. It's called "La Latina" and it is in the center of Madrid, crawling with young people, and might I add very beautiful and VERY trendy! The roomies and I will definitely have to stay on our toes when it comes to fashion awareness!
Our flat is on c/ de las aguas (Water street) and you literally walk out the door, make a right and you find yourself in the main plazas and terraces packed with people drinking sangria outside all day and all night. This city truly never sleeps and I love it!
The past few days have consisted of getting unpacked, paying two month's rent upfront, introducing ourselves to our neighbor, running errands, fixing and re-fixing furniture/appliances, and getting super creative to maximize our space and living situations. It has also consisted of getting to know each other as roommates! This year I'm living with one of my dear friends Marta who I met the first time I studied abroad in Alcalá de Henares in 2007. Since then we have visited each other in Dallas, Boston, Oklahoma, and taken a trip to Cabo. This year will undoubtedly be another unforgettable adventure that we will always look back on. My other roommate is Liana, from New York and we couldn't have been luckier! With her positive attitude, quirky personality, good sense of humor, and ability to belt out showtunes, there is no doubt in my mind that the mixture of the three of us will be hilarious!
Other than the basic news, I'm signing off for now but will try my best to update regularly.
Oh yah, couple of fun facts for everyone:
1) Liana and I's windows are extremely close to the people next to us and also below us. Let's just say that the old women and her older son always have their windows open and I wake up to amazing smells from the kitchen and in depth conversations from what seem to be like they are talking right next to me...obviously I love that I can eavesdrop and get to know their life stories as I lay in my bed hidden and laugh...and hey, it helps my spanish! :)
2) Last night I poked my head out my window because I heard someone brushing their teeth and I got curious. I died laughing and went into Liana's room because the man below us (see #1) was naked, sitting on the toilet and brushing his teeth for the entire world to see. hahaahha...stay posted for more interesting neighbor stories.
3) I finally gave in and got my nose pierced today. mom and dad, don't kill me! :) guess it's a great thing that i'm on the other side of the world! heeheheeee
loving life and excited to embark on chapter two of my madrileñian adventures...i feel most like myself in this city and most free!
Besos a todos!!
Last year when I was in Madrid I attempted to start a blog and tried my hardest to keep up with it, but I just got too busy. This year I am going to try yet again to have a blog and am confident that without my masters classes I will keep all of (or lack thereof) my fellow readers entertained! :)
This year is already feeling better than last year. Not that last year wasn't an amazing experience. It's just that this year I will have so much more free time, I'm familiar with my teachers and students at the school that I work at, NO masters classes, and I feel more confident in general--with the city, the language, the people, etc. I have already fallen in love with my neighborhood. It's called "La Latina" and it is in the center of Madrid, crawling with young people, and might I add very beautiful and VERY trendy! The roomies and I will definitely have to stay on our toes when it comes to fashion awareness!
Our flat is on c/ de las aguas (Water street) and you literally walk out the door, make a right and you find yourself in the main plazas and terraces packed with people drinking sangria outside all day and all night. This city truly never sleeps and I love it!
The past few days have consisted of getting unpacked, paying two month's rent upfront, introducing ourselves to our neighbor, running errands, fixing and re-fixing furniture/appliances, and getting super creative to maximize our space and living situations. It has also consisted of getting to know each other as roommates! This year I'm living with one of my dear friends Marta who I met the first time I studied abroad in Alcalá de Henares in 2007. Since then we have visited each other in Dallas, Boston, Oklahoma, and taken a trip to Cabo. This year will undoubtedly be another unforgettable adventure that we will always look back on. My other roommate is Liana, from New York and we couldn't have been luckier! With her positive attitude, quirky personality, good sense of humor, and ability to belt out showtunes, there is no doubt in my mind that the mixture of the three of us will be hilarious!
Other than the basic news, I'm signing off for now but will try my best to update regularly.
Oh yah, couple of fun facts for everyone:
1) Liana and I's windows are extremely close to the people next to us and also below us. Let's just say that the old women and her older son always have their windows open and I wake up to amazing smells from the kitchen and in depth conversations from what seem to be like they are talking right next to me...obviously I love that I can eavesdrop and get to know their life stories as I lay in my bed hidden and laugh...and hey, it helps my spanish! :)
2) Last night I poked my head out my window because I heard someone brushing their teeth and I got curious. I died laughing and went into Liana's room because the man below us (see #1) was naked, sitting on the toilet and brushing his teeth for the entire world to see. hahaahha...stay posted for more interesting neighbor stories.
3) I finally gave in and got my nose pierced today. mom and dad, don't kill me! :) guess it's a great thing that i'm on the other side of the world! heeheheeee
loving life and excited to embark on chapter two of my madrileñian adventures...i feel most like myself in this city and most free!
Besos a todos!!
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