Saturday was a normal Saturday, besides the fact that Rachael was still having symptoms of the flu. We did nothing all day, didn't leave the house or barely even left our rooms for that matter.
I did some planning with Kristin and Karyn and that was about the most productive thing I did all day. I decided to go out at night just get out of the house and have something to do.
I met Maggie, Leah, and Michael and we went to Chupeteria 69. When we were there, Juan, Adam and Jasmine also showed up and we hung out there for about 1 and a half hours. From there we went to a new bar, Tantra, to meet up with Liz, Ruth Ann, and Tess.
Tantra had an awesome atmosphere and was set up really cool. It was packed full with people and was definitely the place to be last night. We will for sure be returning.
After Tantra we went to Granada 10 and had a good time. We left around 3:45 and when I got home I scared the crap out of Rachael. She was so confused as to why there was a person in the doorway because she had thought I was already home. The look on her face was priceless and I couldn't stop laughing at it!!
I went to bed soon after getting home and that was my Saturday. Nothing special to document, but I am trying to write everyday so I can remember even the small small details.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Shots on Us
Friday Night! After the Alhambra.
When Rachael and I got home from the Alhambra tour, I uploaded my pictures to Facebook and hit the bed. I was exhausted, so I slept for about an hour until dinner time. At dinner, we had the lunch that we had missed earlier in the day.
Following dinner, we talked with Michael about meeting up and going out tonight and he was down, so that was the plan! We got ready and met Michael outside of our apartment. We walked to the bar that we went to last weekend with the cheap mixed drinks and free shot.
When we walked in, it was pretty dead. Granted, it was only about 11 at the time, which is pretty early for Spaniards. We got bar stools and were even able to sit at the bar. Within 2 minutes of sitting down, the male bartender poured us shots. We hadn't even ordered or looked at the menu yet! We think that we were given them because it was pretty slow in the bar and because it was like a "welcome" to the bar type of deal. We looked at the menu and we ordered. Rachael and I each ordered a strawberry daiquiri and Michael got a Ron Cooler (rum mixed with citrus fruits).
Rachael came back feeling better and soon after that, the bartender gave us free pina coladas! I had been watching him blend a drink for another customer and I noticed that he had extra in the blender. I assumed that he was just going to give that person an extra drink or just throw it away. I watched him take out three glasses, smaller than the mixed drink glasses, and pour it all out evenly. He then walked over to us and said "For you" and we did not complain! I still don't know if he purposely made extra for us or if he just had to get rid of it some how, but either way, I am not complaining! After drinking those, we took a group photo together, both serious and goofy!
But after taking the pictures, Rachael's stomach had turned on her again. The first thing that I could think of was uh oh she has what I had. This is not going to be good. She decided that she was going to walk home and Michael and I were going to go get Shawarmas, or kebabs. We hadn't had them yet so we had no idea what to expect.
They were to die for! SO GOOD! It is a shredded meat, I think it is pork, with lettuce and tomatoes and a sauce, similar to sour cream (could be) and probably a few more things that I cannot remember. My mouth is watering typing about it right now! I cannot wait to go back and have Rachael try one.
After devouring that, we decided it was time to call it a night because we were not going to go to Camborio just the two of us. Michael walked me home so I didn't have to walk alone and when I got back, Rachel was not feeling the best. She does have what I had.
We rested the rest of the night and I only hoped for the best for Rachael, but I know its going to be a rough next 3 days!
When Rachael and I got home from the Alhambra tour, I uploaded my pictures to Facebook and hit the bed. I was exhausted, so I slept for about an hour until dinner time. At dinner, we had the lunch that we had missed earlier in the day.
Following dinner, we talked with Michael about meeting up and going out tonight and he was down, so that was the plan! We got ready and met Michael outside of our apartment. We walked to the bar that we went to last weekend with the cheap mixed drinks and free shot.
When we walked in, it was pretty dead. Granted, it was only about 11 at the time, which is pretty early for Spaniards. We got bar stools and were even able to sit at the bar. Within 2 minutes of sitting down, the male bartender poured us shots. We hadn't even ordered or looked at the menu yet! We think that we were given them because it was pretty slow in the bar and because it was like a "welcome" to the bar type of deal. We looked at the menu and we ordered. Rachael and I each ordered a strawberry daiquiri and Michael got a Ron Cooler (rum mixed with citrus fruits).
As we were drinking these, the male bartender began to pour 5 shots. I assumed that it was for other customers because I thought that our free shot was when we walked in. Nope, I was wrong. Three of the shots were for us and the other 2 were for him and the woman bartender. We took them together and then we started to realize that we were getting a great deal on the drinks this evening!
Rachael started to not feel so hot so she went to the bathroom, but Michael and I were goofing off with taking funny pictures! We set my camera up on self-timer, but a few times we weren't expecting it to flash so our faces looked pretty ridiculous!
But after taking the pictures, Rachael's stomach had turned on her again. The first thing that I could think of was uh oh she has what I had. This is not going to be good. She decided that she was going to walk home and Michael and I were going to go get Shawarmas, or kebabs. We hadn't had them yet so we had no idea what to expect.
They were to die for! SO GOOD! It is a shredded meat, I think it is pork, with lettuce and tomatoes and a sauce, similar to sour cream (could be) and probably a few more things that I cannot remember. My mouth is watering typing about it right now! I cannot wait to go back and have Rachael try one.
After devouring that, we decided it was time to call it a night because we were not going to go to Camborio just the two of us. Michael walked me home so I didn't have to walk alone and when I got back, Rachel was not feeling the best. She does have what I had.
We rested the rest of the night and I only hoped for the best for Rachael, but I know its going to be a rough next 3 days!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Alhambra
Today was a fast paced day, besides the morning! Rachael and I woke up well rested and ate breakfast. We told Mila the night before that it wasn't necessary for her to have breakfast ready for us because she wasn't feeling well, but she did anyways. After breakfast we sat around and got ready for the day. Today, we were touring the Alhambra.
The Alhambra is a palace, fortress, and used to be a city. It is now just a building and tourist attraction, that more than 3 million people visit every year! We were just 28 of those 3 million today.
But before all that could happen, we needed to eat lunch. We told Mila that we needed to eat at 2 because we were meeting our group at 3, but when 2 rolled around she was no where to be found in the house. We asked our other roommate, and she said that she heard her leave earlier.. We assumed that she had went to the doctor and wasn't going to return in time to prepare us lunch, so we took it under our own and got lunch at Bocatta. Rachael and I each ordered a baguette with bacon and cheese, a soda, and fries. It was the "economic meal". The place reminded us of McDonald's but Spain style.
When we got to CLM, where we were meeting, we were surprisingly the second ones there. We were expecting to be really late because of our lunch situation. We then ventured off with our group to the Alhambra. We had to climb up a BUNCH of stairs to get there and we were all exhausted when we finally reached the top. There was a great view of the city from where we were waiting and catching our breath. (It has been rainy and gloomy all day today so everyone is using their umbrellas. Sorry that it got in the way but this picture also shows how the weather has been acting lately.)
Following the break time to catch our breath, we walked some more to the entrance of the Alhambra. There we met our tour guide for the next 2 and a half hours and we were handed out those electronic pieces, similar to walkie-talkies and an ear piece to listen to. Rachael and I looked pretty styling, if you asked us!
From there we began our (rushed) tour, all in Spanish, and went into the plaza. In this plaza you could see the Palace of Carlos V. Carlos, which was actually never completed. There was also awesome views of the city and of the Alhambra in other sections.
After viewing this, we went to an amazing look out of the city!
After the lookout, we continued on our tour and got to see many different parts of the Alhambra. Lots of gardens with vegetation, which is not all that common in Granada, as well as a lot of Arabic tile and ceramic work. Arabs are known for their tiling and it is quite intricate and impressive.
Here are some pictures that I snapped along the way.
We continued on to the palace. In the palace, if you had a backpack, you had to wear it on the front of your body. I am not sure why, I think it is out of respect but I don't quite understand the meaning. The ceilings in the queens and kings rooms were immaculate Amazing! The rooms were pretty small but the attention to detail was definitely not forgotten.
The king had 4 women and the 4 women were all in competition to become queen, by having the first son. Whoever was the first to have the kid became queen. But it wasn't over then, because the other women would "cause an accident" so the child would die and then they would become queen. Competition was mighty and present in the Alhambra!!
This photo is of the courtyard with 12 lions, and the door is for the queen's room.
After seeing the palace, we continued on our tour. We passed through many gardens, again, and other rooms. We got to see where the saunas were, the bathrooms, and even the addition that the Christians added. They wanted to live in more comfort but yet still be able to enjoy the beauty of the palace.
We stopped in a room known as the "Whisper Room" because of the way that the walls and ceilings are shaped, you can talk into the wall and hear it on the other end. It was pretty fascinating!
This is an original aqueduct that was used. Under it is the area for the moat that was also used way back when.
Our last stop was Generalife, the summer palace and country estate. This was used when the kings wanted to get away from it all. Generalife is also one of the oldest surving Moorish gardens. This location is a famous location and is known as the Court of la Acequia.
That's the Alhambra in a nutshell! I'm hoping to return with my parents when they come and visit and be able to spend more time at the points of interest because I did feel very rushed today. If not, it was a great experience and I am glad that I got to do it!
The Alhambra is a palace, fortress, and used to be a city. It is now just a building and tourist attraction, that more than 3 million people visit every year! We were just 28 of those 3 million today.
But before all that could happen, we needed to eat lunch. We told Mila that we needed to eat at 2 because we were meeting our group at 3, but when 2 rolled around she was no where to be found in the house. We asked our other roommate, and she said that she heard her leave earlier.. We assumed that she had went to the doctor and wasn't going to return in time to prepare us lunch, so we took it under our own and got lunch at Bocatta. Rachael and I each ordered a baguette with bacon and cheese, a soda, and fries. It was the "economic meal". The place reminded us of McDonald's but Spain style.
When we got to CLM, where we were meeting, we were surprisingly the second ones there. We were expecting to be really late because of our lunch situation. We then ventured off with our group to the Alhambra. We had to climb up a BUNCH of stairs to get there and we were all exhausted when we finally reached the top. There was a great view of the city from where we were waiting and catching our breath. (It has been rainy and gloomy all day today so everyone is using their umbrellas. Sorry that it got in the way but this picture also shows how the weather has been acting lately.)
Following the break time to catch our breath, we walked some more to the entrance of the Alhambra. There we met our tour guide for the next 2 and a half hours and we were handed out those electronic pieces, similar to walkie-talkies and an ear piece to listen to. Rachael and I looked pretty styling, if you asked us!
From there we began our (rushed) tour, all in Spanish, and went into the plaza. In this plaza you could see the Palace of Carlos V. Carlos, which was actually never completed. There was also awesome views of the city and of the Alhambra in other sections.
After leaving the plaza, we began the real tour of the Alhambra because we were now official and with tickets! We had to have our ticket scanned, and the sign said that you could only enter this place one time. Why? I have no idea. We got to the see housing of the soldiers, obviously it has been torn down a bit and the bathrooms, which were separate from the houses.
After the lookout, we continued on our tour and got to see many different parts of the Alhambra. Lots of gardens with vegetation, which is not all that common in Granada, as well as a lot of Arabic tile and ceramic work. Arabs are known for their tiling and it is quite intricate and impressive.
Here are some pictures that I snapped along the way.
We continued on to the palace. In the palace, if you had a backpack, you had to wear it on the front of your body. I am not sure why, I think it is out of respect but I don't quite understand the meaning. The ceilings in the queens and kings rooms were immaculate Amazing! The rooms were pretty small but the attention to detail was definitely not forgotten.
The king had 4 women and the 4 women were all in competition to become queen, by having the first son. Whoever was the first to have the kid became queen. But it wasn't over then, because the other women would "cause an accident" so the child would die and then they would become queen. Competition was mighty and present in the Alhambra!!
This photo is of the courtyard with 12 lions, and the door is for the queen's room.
The king's ceiling is the one with the pointy star and the queen with the smooth edges. The queen also had a bigger room than the king's because she had to house the children as well.
We stopped in a room known as the "Whisper Room" because of the way that the walls and ceilings are shaped, you can talk into the wall and hear it on the other end. It was pretty fascinating!
This is an original aqueduct that was used. Under it is the area for the moat that was also used way back when.
Our last stop was Generalife, the summer palace and country estate. This was used when the kings wanted to get away from it all. Generalife is also one of the oldest surving Moorish gardens. This location is a famous location and is known as the Court of la Acequia.
That's the Alhambra in a nutshell! I'm hoping to return with my parents when they come and visit and be able to spend more time at the points of interest because I did feel very rushed today. If not, it was a great experience and I am glad that I got to do it!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tres Chocolates
Today was one of THE most boring days that I have had here in Granada since arriving. After completing my class at 10 in the morning, I came home and slept. Rachael went to the gym after class so she got home a little bit later that usual and we just hung out. I caught up on Survivor, and then ate lunch.
I am feeling back to my full self, 100% me! So that is awesome news for me. I got over the bug/virus in about 3 days, which was a little longer than I had expected and hoped for, but its better than being sick!
Lineth is not feeling well, just like me and neither is Mila. I think that I brought the flu to this house.. oopsies! After lunch Rachael and I hung out some more and planned to get ice cream at Cafe Futbol this evening.
When I was on my computer, my dad emailed me about my package.. bad news. It made it all the way to Madrid and had to be sent back to the USA because it contained something "unacceptable" to Spain standards. What was so unacceptable.. GUM! Are you joking me? Gum because it contains and certain ingredient. So it was shipped back to my dad, so he can take out the gum and resend it to me. How ridiculous, I know. Especially because I brought gum with me from America when I flew here in January. They didn't stop me then so I don't quite understand why the package is being stopped now!
We ate dinner and then met up with Sam and Michael at Cafe Futbol. Rachael and I both ordered Tres Chocolates (3 Chocolates) which is one scoop of truffle, dark chocolate, and Ferrero Rochert ice-cream topped with chocolate syrup, chocolate chips and white choclate chips! Delicious! It was awesome!
After Cafe Futbol we returned home and hung out until 2 in the morning. We had decided not to go out tonight because we have the Alhambra tour tomorrow and we didn't want to be tired or feeling like crap when we toured it. It is also a 3 hour walk, so we needed as much rest as we could get!
I am feeling back to my full self, 100% me! So that is awesome news for me. I got over the bug/virus in about 3 days, which was a little longer than I had expected and hoped for, but its better than being sick!
Lineth is not feeling well, just like me and neither is Mila. I think that I brought the flu to this house.. oopsies! After lunch Rachael and I hung out some more and planned to get ice cream at Cafe Futbol this evening.
When I was on my computer, my dad emailed me about my package.. bad news. It made it all the way to Madrid and had to be sent back to the USA because it contained something "unacceptable" to Spain standards. What was so unacceptable.. GUM! Are you joking me? Gum because it contains and certain ingredient. So it was shipped back to my dad, so he can take out the gum and resend it to me. How ridiculous, I know. Especially because I brought gum with me from America when I flew here in January. They didn't stop me then so I don't quite understand why the package is being stopped now!
We ate dinner and then met up with Sam and Michael at Cafe Futbol. Rachael and I both ordered Tres Chocolates (3 Chocolates) which is one scoop of truffle, dark chocolate, and Ferrero Rochert ice-cream topped with chocolate syrup, chocolate chips and white choclate chips! Delicious! It was awesome!
After Cafe Futbol we returned home and hung out until 2 in the morning. We had decided not to go out tonight because we have the Alhambra tour tomorrow and we didn't want to be tired or feeling like crap when we toured it. It is also a 3 hour walk, so we needed as much rest as we could get!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Crepes
Today I woke up feeling 75% percent of myself. The recovery day had definitely paid off and I was feeling much better in comparison to the days prior. I made it to all 4 of my classes, without any trouble, and my appetite was almost back to full strength. I felt like a brand new person!
Some of my teachers were very accepting that I wasn't in class on Monday because I had the flu, it didn't seem to phase others, and one teacher was a straight up jerk. She acted like I had purposely skipped her class for no apparent reason other than to skip. I was taken aback because if I was fully capable of going to her class, I would have. But that wasn't the case and I was expecting a little more sympathy from her.
After all of my classes, Rachael and I met up with Lourdes and Almudena for our second intercambio! We went to a teteria (tea house) and we got crepes! They were delicious! I got a chocolate and banana crepe, and Rachael got a crepe with caramel, strawberries and bananas and whipped cream. We had a good conversation back and forth in Spanish and English.
Lourdes's bad news was that she has a big test in June to become a teacher and she needs to score quite on it to secure her spot. Because of this she needs to study NONSTOP from now on until then. And because she is going to be busy studying all the time, she probably will not have time for an intercambio anymore. What a shame, because we got along really well. But she did have an alternative, a friend of hers in her English class who wants an intercambio. The plan is that, if I am interested, I can meet with her friend in place of Lourdes, and when Lourdes is available, she will come with! I told her I wanted to see her at least one more time before I leave and I hope she keeps to that as well!
When we got home, at 9:45, Mila was a little upset because she said we were late for dinner. Rachael and I didn't agree because she sometimes serves dinner at 10:15 so we never know what time it is going to be at, and the food was still warm!
After dinner we relaxed and are now about to hit the hay.
:)
Some of my teachers were very accepting that I wasn't in class on Monday because I had the flu, it didn't seem to phase others, and one teacher was a straight up jerk. She acted like I had purposely skipped her class for no apparent reason other than to skip. I was taken aback because if I was fully capable of going to her class, I would have. But that wasn't the case and I was expecting a little more sympathy from her.
After all of my classes, Rachael and I met up with Lourdes and Almudena for our second intercambio! We went to a teteria (tea house) and we got crepes! They were delicious! I got a chocolate and banana crepe, and Rachael got a crepe with caramel, strawberries and bananas and whipped cream. We had a good conversation back and forth in Spanish and English.
Lourdes's bad news was that she has a big test in June to become a teacher and she needs to score quite on it to secure her spot. Because of this she needs to study NONSTOP from now on until then. And because she is going to be busy studying all the time, she probably will not have time for an intercambio anymore. What a shame, because we got along really well. But she did have an alternative, a friend of hers in her English class who wants an intercambio. The plan is that, if I am interested, I can meet with her friend in place of Lourdes, and when Lourdes is available, she will come with! I told her I wanted to see her at least one more time before I leave and I hope she keeps to that as well!
When we got home, at 9:45, Mila was a little upset because she said we were late for dinner. Rachael and I didn't agree because she sometimes serves dinner at 10:15 so we never know what time it is going to be at, and the food was still warm!
After dinner we relaxed and are now about to hit the hay.
:)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Recovery Day
Today was my recovery day from the flu. I woke up at 7:30 and went to my 8:30 class. From there I walked home and slept until lunch time. It was nice to feel like I had accomplished something but yet could still rest the whole day. What a relief it was my short day!
After lunch I relaxed some more and organized my homework. I was searching for things to do because life does get pretty boring after being on bed rest for 2 days straight.
I connected with Lourdes about meeting up on Wednesday for some ice cream and she agreed that it was a good idea but she had to talk to me about something. We also were planning on meeting up with Rachael and Almudena for a double intercambio!
Eventually I went back to bed and slept my whole day away. When I woke up I Skyped Brynn and then it was dinner time!
The day was soon coming to a close, a lazy day indeed, but it was a day that I needed very much!
After lunch I relaxed some more and organized my homework. I was searching for things to do because life does get pretty boring after being on bed rest for 2 days straight.
I connected with Lourdes about meeting up on Wednesday for some ice cream and she agreed that it was a good idea but she had to talk to me about something. We also were planning on meeting up with Rachael and Almudena for a double intercambio!
Eventually I went back to bed and slept my whole day away. When I woke up I Skyped Brynn and then it was dinner time!
The day was soon coming to a close, a lazy day indeed, but it was a day that I needed very much!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Sleep ALL Day
I skipped all of my classes today because I was too sore and exhausted to move. I rested the whole day and slept more time than I was awake.
For breakfast I had 3 pieces of bread from dinner the night before and some juice. I kept it down and I began to slowly regain my hydration throughout the day.
After eating I went back to bed until it was time for lunch. Mila served me fried fish, bread, and creamy vegetable soup. I think the Spanish standards of taking care of the sick is different than American because you shouldn't have fried food after a night on the toilet... hmm? And the night before she tried to give me yogurt, another no-no because of the high dairy content. Luckily my body kept it all down and I had no issues. Although I have been feeling queezy all day.
After lunch I slept some more and eventually it was time for dinner. Mila had prepared me eggs with cheese and soup. I had no appetite but I forced myself to eat because I knew my body needed the nutrients. I couldn't even finish it all but Mila wasn't upset because she understood that I was sick. *Usually it is rude to leave food or not finish it all*
I Skyped Karyn after dinner. I found out that she found her roommate for next year at Eau Claire, which is really exciting for her! It was nice to catch up with her and fill each other in on the happenings of life. We ended then call and then I went to bed because I was planning on going to my one class on Tuesday.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Flu Bug
Today was a normal Sunday. Everything was the usual.
Rachael and I planned our trips to Barcelona and Madrid and Michael decided he is going to come with too! He booked his tickets so he is all set this time :) Sam is still waiting to book his because it is so far in advance. We are going to Madrid the first week in April and Barcelona the second week in May. We are going to take a 5 hour bus to Madrid and a plane to Barcelona. Everything was falling into place perfectly.
Later in the day I Skyped my parents and it was nice to see and hear from them. We completed my list of items I wanted shipped over and they had to leave to go shopping. I even got to see Kristin because she was home for her birthday and grandpa's birthday. We hung up so they could do their shopping and then soon after that, my stomach started to hurt. I rested and a few hours later, but it didn't help and the bathroom and I became best friends.
At first I thought it was something I ate, but nothing was out of the ordinary, and after the long length of time, I concluded I had the 24 flu. It was a long and rough night. I couldn't keep anything down and I felt like complete crap. Lucky for me, Rachael was there for me and she helped to take care of me. It was a low low point.
Another plus of technology is being able to text my mom during it all. But it sucks because she can't do anything about it. All in all, Sunday night sucked!
Rachael and I planned our trips to Barcelona and Madrid and Michael decided he is going to come with too! He booked his tickets so he is all set this time :) Sam is still waiting to book his because it is so far in advance. We are going to Madrid the first week in April and Barcelona the second week in May. We are going to take a 5 hour bus to Madrid and a plane to Barcelona. Everything was falling into place perfectly.
Later in the day I Skyped my parents and it was nice to see and hear from them. We completed my list of items I wanted shipped over and they had to leave to go shopping. I even got to see Kristin because she was home for her birthday and grandpa's birthday. We hung up so they could do their shopping and then soon after that, my stomach started to hurt. I rested and a few hours later, but it didn't help and the bathroom and I became best friends.
At first I thought it was something I ate, but nothing was out of the ordinary, and after the long length of time, I concluded I had the 24 flu. It was a long and rough night. I couldn't keep anything down and I felt like complete crap. Lucky for me, Rachael was there for me and she helped to take care of me. It was a low low point.
Another plus of technology is being able to text my mom during it all. But it sucks because she can't do anything about it. All in all, Sunday night sucked!
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