Paris

Friday, July 26, 2013

Today I slept in and at 12:00 tried to go to the pool with Olivia but it was closed.  We went to our last lunch and it was so quiet.  Saying goodbye to the cafeteria ladies was sad because we have seen them for the past 4 weeks all day, everyday.  We got to the lobby with our bags at 2:30 and boarded the bus at 3:15.  We got to the airport at 3:50.  Thankfully my bag wasn’t over weight but it was close.  We got to the gate around 4:30ish.  We got subway for dinner to take on the plane.  Of course one of the workers asked me to see if my carry on luggage would fit in the sample compartment because the plane was small.  Of course it did not fit so they had to check it.  Thankfully it was free and I was able to take out my other small backpack to take on the plane that had my valuables.  On the plane I sat in the middle between Olivia and Lauren.  We pulled out of the terminal at 6:40 and were in the air by 6:55.  It was the fastest take off ever!  Once we landed the group was fast through baggage claim.  We boarded the bus around 9:45.  It took forever to board the bus and only a few bags fit under the bus.  More than half of the bags had to be put in the last 6 rows of the bus all stacked on top of each other.  They put my little luggage up top and as we were driving it fell and thankfully didn’t hurt anyone.  Everyone’s bags were on laps, under feet and on chairs next to them, it was not good.

We finally got to the hotel and checked in.  After, a few of us went across the street to grab dinner.  We had Lebanese food and Olivia and I shared chicken.  It is so cool because from the street we could see the Eiffel tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Our hotel is Novotel Paris la Defense.  La Defense is a major business district.  My roommate is Laura!  Our room is 518 and from our window we could see the top of the Eiffel Tower!  The room is nice and has weefee and AC.  There is a pullout couch, a bed, a tv, safe and a really cool shower.

It is so exciting to finally be in Paris!  Can't wait to explore tomorrow!

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Today I woke up at 8:10 and went to breakfast at 9:00.  I had a tour at 10:00 that was part of the package I paid for.  Some of the things we drove by were Opera, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Orsay Museum, Concorde, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Torcader, Eiffel Tower and Invalides.  We got off at Jardin du Luxembourg which was a beautiful park and at the Eiffel Tower to take pictures of it from across the way.

The Eiffel Tower was our last stop so Olivia and I decided just to stay out and explore rather than take the bus back to the Hotel.  We took the metro to Notre-Dame.  We took pictures then went to have lunch at a cute café.  After, we got on line to go inside the cathedral for free.  It was very pretty.  Around 3:00 we got on a different line to go up the Notre-Dame.  We waited in line for about an hour but it went by fast.  It was 400 steps we had to climb and it was up narrow, spiral staircases.  Once at the top we had a 360-degree view of Paris.  It was gorgeous and worth the climb.  There were also awesome gargoyles at the top.  On our way down I got dizzy because of the spirals.

It started to drizzle once we got down so we hopped on the metro and went to Arc de Triomphe.  As we came up the escalators of the metro we saw the Arc and it was huge and beautiful.  It rained for 2 minutes then stopped.  It took us about 10 minutes to figure out how to get across the roundabout to go under the arc.  Finally we realized that you had to go under ground to get to it.  Once at the Arc there was a small fire lite for the unknown solider.  The Arc was so beautiful and we could see straight down the Champs-Elysees, which was beautiful and lined with trees.  We got back on the metro to meet the gang at 6:00.

We made a game plan and left to go eat in the Latin Quarter, which was near Notre-Dame.  We had a prefixed menu for 10 and it was delish.  We walked around by the Seine River and saw some of the beautiful bridges.  We then walked to the Louvre.

Every corner was so beautiful and it didn’t even matter if we got lost.  I absolutely love it here (besides how expensive it is).  It is breathtaking in Paris and it really feels like I am in Europe.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Today I woke up at 6:45 and went to breakfast with Olivia at 7:15.  We left for Versailles at 7:43.  We had to first walk to the La Defense metro station because the one by us wasn’t working until 10:00.  On our walk we passed Le Bassin de Takis which is an open air museum and the Grande Arche.

Once in the metro I had to use the bathroom so we had to go into the mall, which was connected to the metro.  After we got back on track and bought our tickets to Versailles.  We got on the metro around 8:48 and took it to the last stop.

First we walked to the Palace and it took about 10 minutes.  At 9:30 I got on line to buy our tickets and Olivia got on line to the entrance.  That line was really long!  Thankfully we split up because it just got longer and longer.  We got inside around 11:30 but honestly the line was moving the entire time that the 2 hours flew by.  Also it was cold so it was nice not standing in the beating sun.

The Palace was gorgeous (except for all of the people pushing and shoving).  The Palace was started by Louis XIII and was transformed by his son Louis XIV.  Some room we saw included the state apartments, the hall of mirrors and the king’s chambers.  The Palace was huge and every room was so grand and beautiful.

After we had lunch on the steps of the Palace.  We had taken food from breakfast and ate that.  After, we got on a small tram that took us to the Grand Trianon.  Louis XIV had it built.  It was really pretty inside and I loved the pink marble on the outside.

Next we walked to Petit Trianon where Marie-Antoinette would go for as a haven of tranquility.  This was one of her favorite places to stay.

After, we got back on the tram and took it to the gardens.  We walked around the gardens and they were so beautiful.  We ate oranges in the chestnut room (inside the gardens), which was an open-air drawing room while listening to opera music playing in the background.  It was so lovely.  Next we followed the music and saw a water fountain show that was timed to the music.  After, we continued through the gardens and went back to the Palace to leave. 

At this point it was getting really hot so it was a good time to leave.  We got on the metro at 4:04 and arrived back at La Defense at 4:25.  The metros here go really fast so the ride was quick.

After I hung out in the hotel and rested my feet until we met the group at 6:00.  I updated my blog and started to pack and get ready to leave tomorrow.

At 7:00 we took the metro and headed to the Eiffel Tower.  We had our last family dinner in the area.  At 8:30 Laura (HamHam), Olivia and I headed for the Eiffel Tower.  We got on line to walk up to the second level of the tower.  We only waited on line for about 30 minutes.  We began our journey up the 668 steps!  How crazy, I know.  I was so scared because it was windy and as you go higher and higher and you look down it gets more and more terrifying.  I have never flew up stairs so fast in my life even though my calves were burning!  We made it to the second level where we watched the sun set.  As we were waiting online for the elevator the light show began!  It was so cool actually being on the tower as the show was happening.  From there we got on the elevator that went up the side to the peak.  Once at the top it was both exhilarating and terrifying.  It was so windy and rainy that I was so scared to get close to the edge.  After taking a few pictures we headed back down to the second floor where we then walked down the stairs.  We finally reached the ground around 11:00.  It was one of the coolest and craziest things I have even done!

At 11:00 we stood in the grass and watched the light show.  It made the tower sparkle and it was just beautiful.  On our way back to the metro we walked through a small street with local vendors.  We got a few souvenirs and a crepe with nutella and banana.

We got back to the hotel and some of us hung out in our room and just laughed and reminisced.  It was so hard saying goodbye to the girls whom I have been with for 6 weeks and who have made my experiences abroad amazing.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Today I woke up at 8:00 and went to breakfast at 9:00.  For some of us who had a later flight we wanted to do a few things in the morning before we left.  We also weren’t allowed back in our rooms after 12:00 so we had to leave our stuff with the hotel even though we weren’t boarding the bus until 3:00.

First we went to Pont Des Arts love lock bridge.  This was one of the coolest things I went to.  Since we went early it was so beautiful with the sun shining on all of the locks.  I read a few locks and they were so beautiful.  I put a lock on for the Zak Family and threw the key in the water!

Then we walked to Angelina, which is a tearoom but also sells some amazing macaroons, hot chocolate, tea and other treats.

After, we took the metro back to the Eiffiel Tower to see it during the day one last time :(.  We took some pictures, enjoyed the sun and then headed back.  We got back and had lunch around 12:40.  We then sat in the lobby until we boarded the bus at 3:00.

We got to the airport, checked in and waited at the gate.  I sat in the middle next to two women.  I watched three movies and the flight wasn’t bad at all.  We departed at 7:10 pm and arrived at 9:10 pm.  The flight was about 8 hours long but it was so weird going back in time and only having 2 hours elapse.  Customs was fast and when we walked through to the exit I saw mom and dad with a big sign!  It was so exciting to see them and to see the cool sign!!  I felt so special :)

I can’t believe that 6 weeks has come to an end.  I have visited some beautiful cities in 2 amazing countries and I am so blessed.  This experience has taught me a lot about the world and about myself.  I have definitely grown as a person and I can’t wait to see what my future travels have to offer.  This experience will forever be in my heart and in my soul.  This by far has been one of the best decisions I have ever made!

XOXO

Last Few Days in Madrid

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

After class today I did homework from 5:30 to 11:00.  I missed dinner because I had so much work to do.  I had to translate my resume in Spanish, study for a vocabulary quiz, write a presentation and study 20 centuries of history all for Thursday.  I am SO stressed out.  I did my homework in the hallway for hours because I had perfect weefee connection right by the router.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Today we went to Museo de Las Americas.  We left at 10:00 and I got back at 12:00.  The museum was interesting and had a lot of artifacts and gold pieces.  After, I did laundry and more homework.  After my second class I continued to study my timeline of Spanish History.

At 10:00 we had a Paris Orientation.

After the meeting we went to House of Beer for Olivia's birthday!  Olivia and I got a mini burger and it was so good!  We laughed and had a fun night.

After I came back to the room and studied more.

I literally can’t wait until I am done studying.  I am so nervous because history is hard for me and studying thousands of years in Spanish is difficult

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!!  Hope you had an awesome day :)

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Today I woke up early to study for my Advanced Conversation class.  I presented first in class and felt good about how it went.  After class I came back to the room and packed a little and studied for history of Spain until lunch at 1:45.  At 2:30 we went to take the test.  I was so nervous and when I got the test freaked out.  It was so hard and detailed.  I did the best I could.  After the test I saw my teacher upstairs and she wished us well and to have fun Paris.

I am done with classes!  The stress is over!  After, I came back to the room and packed some more.  I put all of my shampoo and products in travel size containers and threw most of my schoolwork away.  I want to carry as little as possible since I bought souvenirs. 

We then went back to El Tigre to have one last family dinner in Madrid.  We left around 8:30 and got back around 1:00.

I posted this to my facebook and will share it on here as well:

I can't believe that my time in Spain has come to an end.  2 weeks in Malaga and 4 in Madrid.  I have had the most amazing experiences while here and I am so thankful.  Study abroad has opened my eyes to the world and also to who I am and who I want to be.  I have laughed, cried, but enjoyed the moments.  This trip will forever be some of my best memories. Now off to Paris until Monday where we can celebrate, relax and enjoy!

XOXO

Will write from Paris next!  How crazy time flies!

Toledo

Monday, July 22, 2013

Today I woke up early to go to Toledo!  This was part of the package I paid for.  We left a little after 9:00 and got there a little after 10:00.  Our tour guide was great.  She told us that the saying holy Toledo came from the view that she took us to (below)!

First we went to a sword manufacturing company and watched them make a sword.  It was so cool.  After we went into a store that had all of the Damasquinado products.  Toledo is known for this type of jewelry and products and it was in all of the stores here.  It is pure 24-karat gold inlayed into darkly oxidized steel.  The jewelry has intricate patterns engraved into it.  Our tour guide told us that there are 3 different types to look out for.  The first is masters meaning that the people making these products are experts.  This type is most expensive.  The next is educators who are learning the process and these products are a bit cheaper.  Lastly is machines that make the jewelry.  It is stamped onto the steel rather than etched in by hand.  These are the cheapest.  Toledo is the world’s largest center of the production of this jewelry.  This jewelry is a treasure to have and a true item to have that is made right in Spain.

Next we went into the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca.  After we walked to Iglesia de Santo Tome.  Here we got to see a famous painting by El Greco called The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.  The painting was beautiful.  After we walked past the giant Toledo Cathedral.

After, we had free time for lunch and shopping.  Our tour guide told us that siestas are a national sport and that they are necessary.  She was funny.  Leaving Toledo was just like all of the other places we have been in the sense that they are all surrounded by dead land.  These places are like oasis (Olivia :)) and have nothing surrounding them.

Toledo is rich in history and culture and remains the way it has been centuries ago.  There are a lot of Roman aspects that you can see throughout.  Toledo was so beautiful!

We got back to Mara in about an hour at 4:17.  My room was cleaned today which was great.  I took and nap, painted my nails, did homework, updated my blog and went to eat at 9:00.  I literally can't believe that this is my last Monday in Madrid and I only have one more week!  Finals are on Thursday so this week will be filled with studying!!  I am so glad that I got to go to Toledo as my last big place to visit before Paris on Friday!  We are already planning each second in Paris to make sure we get to see everything in so little time.

Weekend Festivities

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Today Grace and I had breakfast at 8:30.  We headed on the metro and went to Parque del Retiro.  This park is huge and kind of like central park.  First we went to Palacio de Cristal.  It was so gorgeous.  There were different colored circles all around.  Next we walked around and took some more pictures.  It was nice being in the park early because it wasn’t extremely hot yet.  After, we took the metro to SOL.  Here we finally went to a El Corte Ingles.  It is basically like a Macy’s and they are everywhere.  Each store sells something different like El Corte Ingles bookstore or El Corte Ingles accessories.  We went into the one that had 7 floors including makeup, clothes, food store, post office, hair salon and more!

After we headed back for lunch and got to campus around 12:45.  After lunch I headed upstairs and started homework.  Unfortunately I have 2 papers due Wednesday so I had to get started.  At 4:30 I took a break and uploaded pictures and updated my blog.

At midnight Alyssa, Grace and I went to Teatro Kapital.  When we first got there it was drizzling!  Finally some rain to cool everything down.  Kapital has seven floors, each with its own theme.  The first floor was the best and had to best DJ.  Some floors were a Bacardi room, a room with Spanish music and a floor with more hiphop music.  It was extremely fun!  No one came until around 1:30 and at that point it was packed.  The music was awesome and the atmosphere was great.  Every so often there was a big poof of air or smoke right in the middle of the dance floor followed by gold confetti that got stuck to you.  (Side note: it is still all over my room.)  At one point four girls came on the stage with big wings and danced around.  Before we knew it, it was after 3:00.  The ceiling lights started to move and there was this big light show with music!  El Kapital was awesome and I had so much fun dancing!  After we got churros at D’CH d’Churro.  We didn't get back until after 4:00.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

This morning I woke up at 8:00 and went to breakfast at 8:30.  A few of us went to El Rastro in the morning.  It is the most popular flea market in Madrid that is held every Sunday.  I got a few gifts for people and left around 12:00.  I was so tired from getting no sleep that I took a siesta.  After I woke up the weefee stopped working from the little bit of rain we finally got, so we decided to go to dinner earlier at 7:00.  We went to El Tigre.  It was so fun!  You buy a big drink for 6 euro and then they give you free tapas.  There were six of us so we got at least 10 plates of tapas that the waiter just kept bringing out.  It was crazy, I have never eaten so many croquettes.  At one point the table next to us was done eating there croquettes so the waiter took there plate and poured it onto our plate to eat.  It was kind of gross but I still ate them.  After, we took the metro again to SOL.  We went to Chocolateria San Gines for chocolate (hot) con churros.  They were so delicious and have been in Madrid since 1894.  After we took the metro back and got in a little after midnight.

Field Trips

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Today was rough getting up in the morning.  I was super tired from the long weekend and not looking forward to class.  I only had my advanced conversation class today, which was good.  Instead of our history of Spain class we had a field trip at 6:00.  In the meantime I worked on my presentation for my morning class.  We had to develop our own business and basically pitch the idea to get investors.  Our store was an anti-theft accessory store.

For our field trip we went on the metro and walked through Plaza de España.  We then walked to Templo de Debod.  The temple was originally built in Egypt.  Spain helped Egypt and as a gift the Egyptian state donated the temple to Spain.  The temple was rebuilt in Parque del Oeste.  It was small but who cares because it came all the way from Egypt and holds a lot of history.  After, we walked down Plaza Mayor, which was so cool.  It led right into Sol, which is another main area.  We took two metros back just in time for dinner at 9:00.  After I stayed in and did some notes for class.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Today after our presentations we went to Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.  It was free with our student IDs.  Here there is also the Dali exposition but there wasn’t enough time to see that also.  The museum was interesting and each floor was different.  Some of the artwork was weird and I could have done it myself.  It was cool though to see some of Pablo Picasso’s artwork.  One of them is Guernica.  After we headed back in time for lunch.  I had my second class and after I outlined my textbook until dinner.

I really enjoy going on field trips during class because it breaks up the day nicely.  Two 3 hour and fifteen minute classes suck.  By the time classes are over it is already 6:00 and the day is done.  By doing field trips during the day I am able to see more things!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

After classes I came back to the room and did some homework.  After a group of us went across the street to House of Beer.  It was so yummy.  I had Alhambra beer that was from Spain.  After we walked to Campus Bar.  It was so fun because we were the only ones there.  We danced around and had a great time!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Today in my advanced conversation class we took another field trip!  We walked to Real Madrid Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.  It is a soccer stadium.  We walked through the entire stadium.  First we saw a panoramic view of the entire stadium.  It was so huge!  Next we walked through these interactive rooms where there were old soccer balls, trophies and more.  We saw the locker rooms.  We made our way down and took pictures right on the field.  After we went through the pressroom.  It was so cool!  We made it back in time for lunch and then went to my next class.  After class I passed out for about an hour.  After I started homework and went to dinner.  After dinner I went to buy water and came back and did some more homework.

I had a great week filled with so much exploring!  I loved it!!  I can't believe tomorrow is my last weekend in Madrid.  The time is flying by here :(

Leaving Barcelona

Monday, July 15, 2013

Today I woke up at 8:25 to go to breakfast.  I unfortunately still have no voice.  After I finished some last minute packing I updated my blog because the wifi was so fast in the hotel.  We met for the bus at 11:00 to head back for Madrid :(.  One of the boys on our trip never came back after going out the night before.  Instead of heading back to Madrid the Barcelona Soccer Stadium.  Everyone was so worried about him.  We got to the stadium at 12:00.  We didn’t have time to go into the stadium so we walked around the store.  We left 12:30.  We thought we were going back to Barcelona but an hour and a half later we realized we weren’t.  We stopped at our first rest area at 3:15 ish and left at 4:00.  We continued on and stopped again at 6:30 and left at 6:50.  We got back to the college in time for dinner around 8:30.  Laura and I brought our luggage straight to dinner.  After, I unpacked and relaxed.

I literally can’t believe that this trip is over.  I have been dreaming about Barcelona for so long and it finally happened.  I hope to one day go back because I love it there.  Barcelona is so rich in culture and there is history on every corner.