Southern Spain... Fun times!

Fishies :)

Part of the church.

Beautiful alter

Eating that Calcote!

Get that perrón on!!

Well people it’s already been 3 weeks CRAZY!  And let me tell you this was quite a fun filled week for myself and well my entire IES abroad classmates.  Lots of fun experiences, memorable sights etc were had this past wed-fri together.  This is rather long post fyi…. Its worth it though!

As part of our Spring semester fees our program IES set up a 3 day field trip for us all to go on, in total there were 360 students, plus Ra’s and faculty that attended this journey.  We took a trip from Barca to Southern Cataluña with a final destination of Valencia, Spain’s 3^rd largest city.

Day 1:  We all met at the Hard Rock Café building at 830am, and departed at 9am.  In total there were around 10 buses or so filled to max capacity.  Our 1^st stop was about and 1.5 hours outside Barca, and would be Torres Winery.  Such a great experience!  Torres was named the “Best Winery in all of Europe in 2006” and is known as one of the best wineries in the entire world.  We were able to do a tour of the winery which required a ride THAT’S how big it is!  The buildings are literally state of the art, and truly sustainable.  They have invested a lot of time in money in both research and construction to both keep the superior quality of their wines up, as well as protecting the environment and getting the most out of all the resources they used.  This winery was literally AWESOME, and it was amazing to hear how 5 generations of the Torres family have kept such a respectable world class operation going.  Any of you back in the states I would highly recommend buying and trying a bottle of Torres Wine its great tasting and  they sell some bottles as cheap as $10.

Our journey would continue another 3 hours into Valencia, minus the lunch stop we made which was the WORST ever if you ever travel through Europe I highly recommend not stopping at Auto Grill, unless you want to drop at least 13 euro on some of the worst food ever…

Well we did finally get into Valencia and to our hotel our 530 pm, BUT the weather was horrible and would suck for the rest of the trip, it was cold and rainy all weekend L we made the best of it though!  That night we would have dinner at the hotel, keep in mind it was 2 buses to a hotel so nothing too crazy.  I FINALLY got the chance to try Paella, if been complaining about not having it yet for awhile so I got some!  Honestly it is nothing too special but its good, ill have it more often for sure.  That evening  a most of us went out to some local bars and had a fun night together, and with the local Spaniards.

Day 2:  Wakeup call at 830 breakfast and on the buses by 10am… Rainy and cold of course still.  But we were able to take our bus around the city and see some of the various sites.  Valencia is known for its Arts & Sciences District in the center of the city.  It consist of a stretch of 5-6 state of the art, unique, abstract architecture of buildings, truly awesome.  Google it I think you will be very impressed by it all!  We got free passes to go to the aquarium which is part of all these buildings, it is said to be Europe largest aquarium, it was awesome, I honestly don’t remember the last time I went to an aquarium, but I would like to go more often, new hobby maybe??  After that we had a few hours for a break, and it was off to another bus tour/walking tour…..  This one took us around the city and showed us the many many many beautiful , clean gardens throughout the city and the main shopping districts etc.  Then we were out and taken on a tour of the city mainly various churches, and landmarks.  I should be able to upload a few pics I was able to take on my phone of the churches.  The architecture, and art is truly mesmerizing, soooo much history I love it, and being catholic I know my family would be proud I actually went and saw them all.  Truly a great time even with the rain glad we were able to go our tour guide was knowledge and only said “hmm” or “huhh” at the end of every sentence a a million bijillion trillion times, but it was okay.

Day 3: 7am wake up call, on the road back to Barca at 8am….  We drove about 2 hours to a small, old Muslim city of Tortosa.  It was especially cold and rainy this morning and I didn’t have an umbrella, and of course we had another walking tour…  Honestly I didn’t even attempt to see that much I just wanted to stay warm or dry!  We saw some cool old building and churches but nothing that stands out compared to Valencia.

Another hour and we were going for a feast of in Valls for the Valls Calcotada, AWESOME experience!  It starts with Sweet Green onions that are bbq you then take off the skin and eat only the inside white part and dip it in a very yummy dip, its messing fun and tasty and well different.  Next is freshly toasted bread and fresh garlic, tomatoes, and mayonnaise that you take your hand and spread onto the bread, messing again but delicious! Then the main course of grilled pork, chicken, lamb artichoke and some sort of white beans is served.  All again were awesome, although I don’t do artichoke ask my mother why…  Finally the real FUN begins red wine is served, and no not in your typical wine glass this is a vase with an end to it and you pass it around and hold it up and drink up, pretty sure everyone had a fun time doing that, check out the picture of my buddy doing it!  Then we departed for the final 1.5 hours back to Barca, and guess what…..?  It was raining here too!!!

Well people that is it for this week enjoy the photos and I hope you enjoyed my week.  Hope you all are doing well, and enjoying life, have fun be safe, talk to you all soon.

Regards,

Eric

Club/Bar song of the week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK42LZqO0wA&feature=related

Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Hello

Things I've noticed about the locals...

So it’s already been 2+ weeks in Barca, kinda crazy if you ask me!  This week I would like to put a focus on some things that I’ve found quite interesting in terms of the locals here…. Do realize I have only been here for 2 weeks so please don’t base my experiences on your opinions of Spanish people.

But here’s what I’ve noticed, and also please feel free to comment back what your experiences have been while in Europe, as mine may be different. 

1.       The smoking culture, In the US in my opinion smoking cigarettes is not something a majority of people pursue especially after all of the law suits, and health warning in the past 20+ years.   There is definitely your percentage  of people that may smoke only when out drinking etc, and some that smoke because it is quite difficult to quit, and many former smokers that have overcome the addiction of nicotine. But I would say its safe to say most Americans are non smokers.

·         In Spain and from what I have been told of most of Europe, everyone and their mother smokes cigarettes and it is common pastime.  It doesn’t really add up to me, the exact reason why…. Within the past few months the Spanish Gov’t has outlawed smoking in public places i.e. restaurants, bars, subways, taxis, basically you can only on the streets and in the privacy of your own home( Sounds like America know right?) When I get off the metro and out to the street I almost always witness adults and yes even kids I swear they are like 10 all light up a cig, my question is why is it so popular?   

      Well today I went and had lunch and beers at a small local bar/café in my neighborhood, it was all locales, after chatting my best in Spanish with a couple about Spain and telling them I was an American studying here, I finally asked why do Spaniards smoke as much as they do(Keep in mind I witnessed this lady smoke a pack in an hour), The female told me “ It’s the culture we have and have always had, just like American’s like to drink a lot.”  I told her” I guess I agree, but Europeans do drink anytime of the day on a daily basis, but Americans drink more in one sitting is true BUT after 5pm.”  My only ? is what started this culture, and why is it so much different elsewhere in the world.

2.        Second thing I have noticed is style is very different here from young to old there are some definite things I find much different then the US.  Firstly, yes I will admit for the majority of locals they dress quite well a button down, with a nice coat and scarf is common, as well as nice slacks or expensive designer jeans, ooo and lets not forget the extremely common leather dress shoes.  Women as well wear similar clothing.  So yes Americans apparently dress far more casually then Europeans, if your buddy or for the ladies one of your girlfriends dressed that way often you would probably say “Damn looking classy today, whom are you trying to impress?”

·         Piercings….. I have nothing against piercings at all, I think they can actually look quite decent at times on both women and men.  BUT in Spain I swear many people young and old has something on their body pierced.  In America, I would say it’s more than acceptable for women to have a small nose piercing, belly button, and for guys to have their ears pierced, that’s just the type of society we have grown into.  In Spain though it seems like many people regardless of age have not only their ears pierced, but it is common to see more than one piercing on their eyebrows, lips, nose(or at least a ring in their nose) and who know’s what else they may be concealing!  I am thinking of joining the trend and going  all out this one.. JK. But really I find it very unique that body piercings are so popular.

·        

My Next favorite thing is the rocker look… I don’t have pictures yet but I will soon hopefully. But if any one has been wondering where all the Kiss, Van Halen, and other classic rock band members have went, Spain is a safe bet for a spot to look!  Crazy permed long hair, tight jeans, black leather jackets and all!

Well that is enough about my  observations for know, I hope to hear your experiences of such in Spain or other Europeans countries, AND I hope I didn’t offend anyone, we are all unique which is what makes the world go round and round.

That is it for me for this week people!  Tomorrow- Fri sometime I will be traveling to Valencia, Spain with my study abroad program, doing a tour of Europe’s largest winery, a paella meal(FINALLY), and various other tours, as well as seeing the culture and nightlife in more of Spain.   

I will update you all next week, take care, be safe, and enjoy life!

OOO almost forget here is a link to a hit song in Barcelona especially in Bars/Clubs it’s catchy I will try to give you all a new one weekly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXXzuQw5OIs&feature=related

Regards,

Eric

Mi primer semana en Barca

Well let me start with a WOW, such an amazing city very beautiful and plenty to do!

Things started out a bit rough for me arriving though.... Firstly my suitcase with literally ALL of my clothes got lost, and I didn't get it back for 3 days, definitely wasn't ideal but I survived.  Then I was not able to actually figure our where my Senora lived, and my phone wasn't working soooo needless to say I was starting to panic! But using the minimum Spanish I had some kinda gentleman called her and had here meet me outside, thanks random stranger! Ooo and I forgot my camera in AZ so noo pictures for atleast 1-2 more weeks sorry!

I am sure you are wondering about my host family, I live with a senora and she has an adult daughter that lives here is well, my senora speaks NO english so it is a bit difficult to communicate, when the daughter is there its much better.  Their apartment is actually quite nice no complaints at all.  I also have a roommate Ryan who is also a Junior and attends Lafayette College, hes a cool guy and we've been hanging out alot.

Getting to class is pretty simple thus far basically 30-45 mins of walking and metro rides depending on which campus I am on that day, the metro here is easy, and much nicer than any back in the states.  Next week I will plan on giving you more details on classes in Spain and some differences etc.

Besides class we have been checking out some of the local bars and clubs, nightlife is much much different here as no one young or old goes out until atleast midnight and usually stays out until 4-6am....  As much fun as it is with classes, and finances, I won't be partaking too often, also the fact that alot of the places we have gone to end up being primarily other american students takes some of the fun out of it.

But overall it is safe to say I really enjoy Barcelona alot, the weather is mid 50's yep be jealous! The architecture and art is phenomenal, ive really only been to Parc Guel those far too. And there is just so much to do I have decided that Spaniards are very much into socializing and eating tapas and drinking vino and cervaza as much as they can.

Well thanks again for following me, hope things are going well back home for you all, enjoy life and be safe!

Adios amigos y familia!

Eric

Well the count down begins...

Its officially 1 week, 7 days, or 168 hours until I depart from the beautiful, warm, sunny Scottsdale, AZ to the EU specifically Barcelona, Spain for the next almost 5 months!  Its both exciting and scary at the moment for me.

About me: I am a Junior at Drake University in Des Moines which is located in an extremely warm state of Iowa(Insert Iowa Jokes Here) I am studying International Business w an Insurance Concentration and plan to work in Insurance or Consulting after graduation, and hopefully work or do business abroad.  This semester I will be pursuing my studies among other things in Barcelona, Spain through IES Abroad and taking classes at

Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

Well... This Blog is my way of doing 2 things
1. Keeping in touch and giving updates to family, friends, and well maybe strangers., and hopefully a lil entertainment.
2. Keeping track of the many many memories and experiences I will have while I am abroad!                                      

Plans I have while abroad are firstly to get a solid grasp on the Spanish language, and hopefully be able to effectively communicate in Spanish.  I will also plan to network as much as possible, in hopes of future business opportunities in the EU.  For trips I am hoping to get to Italy not sure on city yet, Prague, London, and Amsterdam.  Any suggestions on cities, sites, restaurants, or bars to check out will be appreciated! I also would like to get in on some cooking classes if possible, one of my many hobbies.  Well thats all for now!

Thanks for taking the time to follow me on my trip, I hope you enjoy my posts.  I will plan on doing one just about every week if all goes well, no promises though...  Feel free to leave comments, and contact me at any  time on places to go or things to do, or just to say hi.  Take care!

Regards,

Eric Griffith