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| Entrance into apartment |
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| Kitchen |
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| Living/Main Room |
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Laundry in Spanish?
We finally moved in to our apartment on Wednesday afternoon! We went grocery shopping and got the essentials, bread, fruit, tomatoes, but desperately needed to do laundry. When we went to buy detergent we realized this might not be so easy...we just stared at the many many options, completely confused as to which to buy. Who knew it would be so hard. We literally stood there for a good 10 minutes pondering before we decided that asking an employee might speed up the process. Turns out we weren't even staring at the right stuff. She led us to the detergent and then of course we stared at her blankly and she proceeded to take a container off the shelf and hand it to us. Thank you Spanish grocery store lady, I feel like an idiot.
It was a long process, and we hadn't even begun trying to figure out how to use our washing machine and translate laundry cycles in Spanish. And then there was the issue of where to put the detergent... there were 3 different holes! But we we figured it out eventually and we were successful, no overflowing washing machines or pink socks. Here is our first load, lots of socks:
Our town is so small that they don't even have a store to buy basic household accessories. So we took a trip to a nearby town, La Linea, this afternoon and bought the rest of the things we needed, towels, rugs, and pillows. I think we are finally done getting our apartment together. Now we can relax and enjoy! Eric and I both have our first days of school tomorrow, so we are excited and looking forward to a good night's sleep.
It was a long process, and we hadn't even begun trying to figure out how to use our washing machine and translate laundry cycles in Spanish. And then there was the issue of where to put the detergent... there were 3 different holes! But we we figured it out eventually and we were successful, no overflowing washing machines or pink socks. Here is our first load, lots of socks:
And, the washing machine is in the kitchen (see next to stove), actually pretty common in Europe:
Our town is so small that they don't even have a store to buy basic household accessories. So we took a trip to a nearby town, La Linea, this afternoon and bought the rest of the things we needed, towels, rugs, and pillows. I think we are finally done getting our apartment together. Now we can relax and enjoy! Eric and I both have our first days of school tomorrow, so we are excited and looking forward to a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Bye Seville, Hello little town
Eric and I arrived in our town San Roque on Saturday afternoon and had some time to walk around and explore before it got dark. First impressions: small, but absolutely beautiful. The whole town is on a hill and consists of little white washed houses and buildings, trees, parks and grass. We have officially left the desert! The town will basically give me the cultural experience I was looking for - everyone speaks Spanish, no English, its small, isolated, but the transportation to surrounding areas is really good.
Eric and I took a quick trip to the adjacent town La Linea today, which is also the town that borders Gibraltar. We had considered living there, but after visiting decided that it's probably not as safe and isn't nearly as beautiful as San Roque, despite it's beach appeal. It's pretty cool to be so close to Gibraltar, a mere 15 minutes away. Its defiantly a site to see, a big rock in the middle of the water.
And we ate chinese food for dinner tonight!!!! We were skeptical but the food was really really delicious. Good to know I can find a little piece of home at a Chinese restaurant. The spring rolls were humongous, twice the size of the ones in the US, practically a meal on its own. Definitely going back there for some carry out. It beats Hunan I'm sorry to say.
Eric and I took a quick trip to the adjacent town La Linea today, which is also the town that borders Gibraltar. We had considered living there, but after visiting decided that it's probably not as safe and isn't nearly as beautiful as San Roque, despite it's beach appeal. It's pretty cool to be so close to Gibraltar, a mere 15 minutes away. Its defiantly a site to see, a big rock in the middle of the water.
And we ate chinese food for dinner tonight!!!! We were skeptical but the food was really really delicious. Good to know I can find a little piece of home at a Chinese restaurant. The spring rolls were humongous, twice the size of the ones in the US, practically a meal on its own. Definitely going back there for some carry out. It beats Hunan I'm sorry to say.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A few sights of Seville
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| View from top of Cathedral in the center of the city |
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| Another view from the top of the Cathedral |
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| View from top of the Cathedral in center of the city |
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| Typical Sevilla view |
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| Where my Senora and I hang out, eat, watch Novelas |
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| My room at my home-stay |
Day Trip to Cadiz
We took another day trip to Cadiz, again 1.5 hours outside of Seville. The city is old and small, but the beach itself is big and beautiful. After ditching our tour group we made a few stops in the old town center- the Cathedral, plaza de flores, and the market. Then we spent the whole day on the beach soaking up the sun and cooling off in the water!
La Playa - Matalascaña!
We took a day trip with some friends to the beach Matalascañas, which is about an 1.5 hours outside of Seville. Its been really really hot here, topping 112 degrees some days, so we decided to cool off with a trip to the other side of the Atlantic! We got tapas and tinto verano and relaxed all day!
Europe Recap: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is officially one of my favorite cities in Europe. Our hostel, first of all, was the nicest and cleanest we´ve encountered yet. We had a bathroom and shower in our room! And breakfast was included, and it was actually good. Besides the hostel, I really enjoyed how the whole city is basically made up of little islands, your always near water and boats, and it feels very refreshing. The people were kind and light, open and care-free, especially our hostel staff who was open to helping us with everything. I guess I was a little surprised how much I liked Amsterdam, although I didnt know what to expect, it surpassed my expecations.
Anyway, we didn't bust our butts trying to see all of the sights because thats not really what Amsterdam is about. Our experience in Amsterdam was similar to our experience in Brugge. We walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere, food, parks, and people.
The first day we got there at night and decided to go straight to Leidsplein to take in the night scene. The square is full of restaurants and bars, people everywhere, and of course there was a rediculous break dancing show going on when we arrived. We ate dinner and after walking around for a while went to the hostel and slept.
Our first real day in Amsterdam was light. We went to the Van Gogh Museum. It was a really cool experience seeing all of his work in one place and learning about his life. Next we got some delicious sandwiches and of couse took our first sample of Amsterdams finest, Heinekin. After our drinks we went to Vondelpark, which is where we spent most of our time while in Amsterdam. Its a huge park of people sitting around enjoying the weather, laying on blankets and relaxing. We spent some time there before heading to the Heinekin Experience, which is basically a museum of everything Heinekin, the brewing process and the history of the company. At the end we were led to a bar and drank our free samples of beer! After the long day we went home and relaxed, got some dinner out and called it a night.
Our last day in Amsterdam was again very light. Our first stop was the Anne Frank House. I particularly enjoyed this experience. The house and museum are both done very well. I learned alot and felt like I had more insight into the lives of the people during that time, especially being in Anne's house, passing through the room where she slept, seeing her handwriting on her actual diary, and learning more in depth about her life. Very very interesting and eye opening.
From there we quickly walked through the Red Light District, nothing much to see, and wandered through an open market before stopping in Vondelpark with a bottle of wine and snacks. We enjoyed the rest of the day laying the grass, sipping our wine and eating chips.
We went to bed early in anticipation of our long tram, train, flight, and bus ride to our hotel in Sevilla. We had a really great time in all three cities, they were all different and exciting in their own way. I highly recommend a trip to any of the cities, London, Brugge, Amsterdam, or all three. Adios, cya in Spain
Anyway, we didn't bust our butts trying to see all of the sights because thats not really what Amsterdam is about. Our experience in Amsterdam was similar to our experience in Brugge. We walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere, food, parks, and people.
The first day we got there at night and decided to go straight to Leidsplein to take in the night scene. The square is full of restaurants and bars, people everywhere, and of course there was a rediculous break dancing show going on when we arrived. We ate dinner and after walking around for a while went to the hostel and slept.
Our first real day in Amsterdam was light. We went to the Van Gogh Museum. It was a really cool experience seeing all of his work in one place and learning about his life. Next we got some delicious sandwiches and of couse took our first sample of Amsterdams finest, Heinekin. After our drinks we went to Vondelpark, which is where we spent most of our time while in Amsterdam. Its a huge park of people sitting around enjoying the weather, laying on blankets and relaxing. We spent some time there before heading to the Heinekin Experience, which is basically a museum of everything Heinekin, the brewing process and the history of the company. At the end we were led to a bar and drank our free samples of beer! After the long day we went home and relaxed, got some dinner out and called it a night.
Our last day in Amsterdam was again very light. Our first stop was the Anne Frank House. I particularly enjoyed this experience. The house and museum are both done very well. I learned alot and felt like I had more insight into the lives of the people during that time, especially being in Anne's house, passing through the room where she slept, seeing her handwriting on her actual diary, and learning more in depth about her life. Very very interesting and eye opening.
From there we quickly walked through the Red Light District, nothing much to see, and wandered through an open market before stopping in Vondelpark with a bottle of wine and snacks. We enjoyed the rest of the day laying the grass, sipping our wine and eating chips.
We went to bed early in anticipation of our long tram, train, flight, and bus ride to our hotel in Sevilla. We had a really great time in all three cities, they were all different and exciting in their own way. I highly recommend a trip to any of the cities, London, Brugge, Amsterdam, or all three. Adios, cya in Spain
Europe Recap: Brugge
We arrived in Brugge in the afternoon and stayed for only one night. During the bus ride to our hostel we got a preview of the town. Its beautiful, completely stuffed with shops of all kinds, chocolate stores, lace stores (apparently they are big lace makers), clothes, etc. The city is basically full of patios with tables and restaurants, shops, canals, and lots of people enjoying the nice weather and good food.
Brugge isn´t really a city of sights, which was a nice break from London, but was a place to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Thats exactly what we did once we got to the hostel, checked in and unloaded. We walked around the city for a few hours in search of all the Brugge must eats and must dos, including eating frites with mayo (Eric enjoyed, I did not!), eating chocolate from one of the many local stores, and really just walking around taking it all in. We decided that the best was to view Brugge was from the water, so we took a boat tour that led us through the inner canals of the city. We had a great tour guide and great weather. Lots of fun!
Our second and last day in Brugge was short. We climbed the famous Belfry of Brugge (the same tower where the famous scene in the movie In Brugge takes place), saw the famous Michealangelo sculpture of Virgin and Child, and walked around taking in last sights of the city. Next stop Amsterdam.
Brugge isn´t really a city of sights, which was a nice break from London, but was a place to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Thats exactly what we did once we got to the hostel, checked in and unloaded. We walked around the city for a few hours in search of all the Brugge must eats and must dos, including eating frites with mayo (Eric enjoyed, I did not!), eating chocolate from one of the many local stores, and really just walking around taking it all in. We decided that the best was to view Brugge was from the water, so we took a boat tour that led us through the inner canals of the city. We had a great tour guide and great weather. Lots of fun!
Our second and last day in Brugge was short. We climbed the famous Belfry of Brugge (the same tower where the famous scene in the movie In Brugge takes place), saw the famous Michealangelo sculpture of Virgin and Child, and walked around taking in last sights of the city. Next stop Amsterdam.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Europe Recap: London
Day 1 - London
Our European adventure began in London. We landed really early in the morning so decided to walk around the city for a while until our hostel would allow up to checkin. We had 5 hours!! We traveled to Hyde Park, walked around for a while, rested, snacked, laid down in the grass and enjoyed the nice weather. We also made some quick stops at Picadilly Arcade (pictured below), and Westminster Abbey. Finally it was time for a long nap. We slept, ate and relaxed before our next to giant days of running around London.
Day 2 - London
Our European adventure began in London. We landed really early in the morning so decided to walk around the city for a while until our hostel would allow up to checkin. We had 5 hours!! We traveled to Hyde Park, walked around for a while, rested, snacked, laid down in the grass and enjoyed the nice weather. We also made some quick stops at Picadilly Arcade (pictured below), and Westminster Abbey. Finally it was time for a long nap. We slept, ate and relaxed before our next to giant days of running around London.
Day 2 - London
We woke up really early and scouted out a place in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard. Its a big parade basically, with men in funny uniforms, marching bands, loads of people, and police on horses.
Our next stop was Westminster Abbey. We toured the church and saw the graves of famous dead people including Charles Darwin, Louis Carroll, and Isaac Newton. Once leaving the church we decided to simply walk around all of London! We walked through Picadilly Circus, Covent Garden (a large market with street performers, stores and lots of food), and lots of other places I cant quite remember the names of. We did stop for fish and chips and of course a few glasses of beer. So European.
Our last full day in London was full of more walking and seeing the sights. We traveled to St. Pauls Cathedral and walked to the top to see this great view of all of London:
Afterwards we toured Tower of London, walked the bridge, and then took the long walk on the other side of the water to see London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Gabriel's Warf, Globe Theatre, and Tate Modern before heading home for food and sleep.
Our next stop was Westminster Abbey. We toured the church and saw the graves of famous dead people including Charles Darwin, Louis Carroll, and Isaac Newton. Once leaving the church we decided to simply walk around all of London! We walked through Picadilly Circus, Covent Garden (a large market with street performers, stores and lots of food), and lots of other places I cant quite remember the names of. We did stop for fish and chips and of course a few glasses of beer. So European.
Our last full day in London was full of more walking and seeing the sights. We traveled to St. Pauls Cathedral and walked to the top to see this great view of all of London:
Afterwards we toured Tower of London, walked the bridge, and then took the long walk on the other side of the water to see London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Gabriel's Warf, Globe Theatre, and Tate Modern before heading home for food and sleep.
Next we were off to Brugge!
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