Life As I See It

The Blessings of Wisdom

2010-11-09T14:31:00.004+01:00

Is it good sense? Is it the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships? Or is it a wise attitude, belief, or course of action? What is wisdom? All of these are definitions given by Webster, but Proverbs a fuller explanation. Just like in the beginning was the Word, wisdom was created before the earth and all in it. In more poetic terms, the Bible basically says that if you don't seek wisdom, you're an idiot, but if you do, there are many blessings that will follow.

"Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, 36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death." - Prov. 8:34-36

Wisdom is better than riches and honor, it speaks only truth and righteousness, and it lends the hearer toward knowledge and discretion. Nothing we desire holds a candle. If it is with wisdom that God produced creation, why wouldn't we want to seek simple wisdom in our daily lives?

My prayer for today is that I would seek wisdom and choose it over worldly riches and blessings.

No Fear

2010-11-08T14:13:00.003+01:00

At Fellowship for the past several weeks we have been going through a series on discipleship. In one section of Luke, we discussed how Jesus is able to look into issues of our hearts and call us out on the things keeping each us from following Him wholeheartedly. Yesterday morning I went to church with Brian at Midtown, and as the service progressed and we entered into a time of communion, I felt overtaken by a sense of fear. Fear of what? I'm not sure. But I do know this:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 1 Tim 1:7

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18

I think a lot of my fear yesterday had to do with a worldly tendency to compare myself to others and the feeling of judgement that can come when you don't measure up in the world's eyes. God completely called me out on it. I just broke down at the altar and prayed that God would help me to realize the source of my fears, remove them from my heart, and fill me with Him in their place. I know I am loved and have been perfected in love, therefore I have nothing to fear. When the pastor prayed at the end of the service yesterday, he highlighted the fact that our fears have been vanquished - Christ conquered them in death. Thank God I can live my life in that freedom!

My pray for today is that I would lay down my fears and live fully in the freedom and love of Christ.

Unexpected

2010-11-08T04:23:00.002+01:00

I said 2.5 months ago I was going to reinstate the blog... here I am attempting to do so yet again. I'm not really sure my purpose in writing this blog. Sure, it's a medium through which to express my thoughts, but I have so many thoughts in so many areas of life that it's hard to narrow it down to one specific topic. There will probably be some life updates, reflections on prayer and scripture, and exploration of the jumbled thoughts going on in my crazy head. Be prepared for anything!

Right now in my life I can't get over how amazing God is and how he orchestrates his plan so perfectly. After graduation in August 2009, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do with my life. I thought I had an idea, and I was very particular about what jobs I would or wouldn't apply for based on where they could lead. As a result, I spent the 6 months after graduation babysitting and letting my hair down just a little, not always in the best way. Just as I didn't date anyone in college, I didn't date anyone during these 6 months either. Frustration was beginning to set in.

In December last year, I applied for and was given a part-time job at the Green Hills Y working in the Welcome Center. I was very upfront about my intentions, which were to get into development. From my start date in January up until now there were several times when I would express my frustration and uncertainty about what I was doing there to my boss. I questioned the purpose in being where I was and often wondered if I was just wasting time twiddling my thumbs. Each time I would get frustrated God would have some sign or subtle voice affirming that I was in the right place. I still wasn't dating and was disappointed that I hadn't met someone, but at the same time wasn't willing to date just for the sake of dating. During this time, I had to constantly turn to God and remind myself that he knows what he's up to and that I ultimately have no control over anything in my life. So much easier to say than to truly believe!

But His plan and his timing are perfect. In August, a wonderful guy named Brian Lange suddenly came into my life and changed it completely and unexpectedly. I've never met someone that has been on the same page as me in so many aspects of life. We shared similar life experiences and relate to each other in so many ways. Never have I felt so blessed! For the first time, I have a relationship truly founded on Christian principles and a significant other in my life who I am falling more in love with every single day. About a month ago, God also blessed my patience with an opportunity for advancement at the Y. I learned about the opening for a full-time Development Coordinator, submitted my resume the next day, then interviewed on a Wednesday morning and found out the same afternoon that they wanted to offer me the job. This week begins the first full week of my first big-girl job! I have an office (with a window!), benefits, and my very own extension :) Just wait until I get my business cards in! I also recently moved into an apartment on my own, and am loving living in my own little space.

Through all these wonderful changes in my life, I feel that God is showing me that trusting him and waiting patiently do pay off. I am also very aware that without him none of these things would exist, and that if I for even a second take my eyes off him or think that it's by my own merit that I have earned the things I have, that's it's likely to fall apart. I realize that the Lord gives, and the Lord can just as easily take away. I am continuously learning to give it all up to Him. Brian and I are excited about growing together in our relationships with Christ, and are striving to do that individually as well. We've just started going to church together, alternating Sundays between Midtown, where he attends, and Fellowship. I know there is so much more I have to learn about life and love and God and am excited about continuing to become the person God wants me to be!

Wait and See

2010-08-26T13:58:00.002+02:00

Thanks Brandon Heath for these wonderful lyrics (from "Wait and See")

Still wondering why I'm here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He's up to something.
And the farther on I go
I've seen enough to know that
I'm not here for nothing.
He's up to something.

There is hope for me yet
Because God won't forget
All the plans He's made for me.
I have to wait and see.
He's not finished with me yet.

New Beginnings

2010-08-19T07:03:00.003+02:00

I decided it's time to reinstate the blog (which I never kept well in the first place, but hey, second time's a charm?)! I originally titled it "Aventuras en Espana" for obvious reason - I was studying abroad during my last semester of college. Here's my description of the blog at that time:

"Every time I turn around God is blessing me in some new way. I definitely count the opportunity to spend my last semester of college in a beautiful seaside city in Spain among those blessings. I have no idea what's in store, but I am confident there is much to be learned in the next 4.5 months. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I encounter this journey! Love and peace to all!"

God is definitely still finding ways to bless me, although I don't always see it in the moment. It's evident to me that I am at a different place in life than I was when my blog first began, although some of the things I'm trying to figure out haven't changed all that much. One thing I have been learning lately is that I need to figure out who I am on my own, who Emily is without the direct influence of other people. I don't mean that to say I devalue other people and the role they play in my life - I think they make life what it is. I just mean I need to be purposeful in choosing activities and friends and places with regard to my life as I want it to be. I need to make things happen, not just sit back and let them happen to me! And for the first time in a long time, I can see that with clarity. It doesn't make it any easier to get up the motivation to make phone calls to friends I haven't seen in a while or set that coffee date or get that interview, but I know I have to be more proactive in trying. Can't wait to see what lies ahead in my life.

More to come soon!

Photos!

2009-04-25T14:23:00.001+02:00

New pics are up! Click the link on the right :)

Epiphany

2009-04-21T17:39:00.002+02:00

I think I might have discovered what I want to do with my life. For my international marketing class this week and next, each student has to put together a presentation on a company that is going or has gone international. One of the guys today talked about a non-profit group doing work with farmers in Rwanda. I wasn't clear on all the details, but it involved micro-lending, entrepreneurship, and increased productivity in their farming activities. When his first slide came up and I read what he was going to talk about, my heart started beating a little faster. Then a few slides in, my brain began racing about thinking of all the different things that could come out of this endeavor and how businesses could be convinced that giving to such causes is a worthy investment. And then it happened. It was at that moment that I realized this is the world I want to work in. Other presentations about big business and making money went in one ear and out the other, but this honestly had me ready to jump out of my chair in excitement. I have been thinking about the different careers paths I could choose from given the flexibility of a BBA in International Business (with emphases in Spanish and entrepreneurship), but it's clear to me now that empowering people is what really gets me going. In some direct way, whether in a non-profit or for-profit, I want to work for an organization that in some way gives people access to the means to a better life - things like clean water, better transportation, financial means, and new skill sets - and does so in a sustainable manner. Hopefully this knowledge will make my job hunt that is to commence when I hit US soil a little easier than I had anticipated. Now, rather than be stressed about work, I'm excited about exploring the opportunities that are out there!

Semana Santa, a.k.a. Spring Break

2009-04-15T15:45:00.004+02:00

During the past ten days, I have seen three different cities in Spain, all kinds of different terrain, more cathedrals and mosques than might be necessary for a lifetime, and discovered the pros and cons of staying in a hostel. It was a fantastic trip! I went with my roommate and one of my other friends (Jess & Gina) and the three of us had a blast. Technically break started with our 7:00a.m. bus to Valencia, but this trip began slightly earlier and on a different note for me. My friend Shelby was supposed to come stay with me Friday night. Her bus got in at 11:30 and she was supposed to be here by about midnight, 1:15 came around and she still wasn't here. I figured that she didn't get my message with directions and was just in a hostel somewhere until her 6:30 flight. Well, I got on Skype with my brother and he asked me if she was there yet. When I said no, he said he was supposed to call her mom and let her know. Apparently Shelby lost her phone on the bus and the people at the hotel where it was turned in called her mom in the states, which of course put her mom in a tizzy. So at about 1:50a.m. I hopped in a cab and went to the bus station on a hunt for Shelby, speaking Spanish at about 90 miles an hour to the cab driver. Of course, Shelby's not at the station, so I went to the police station at the bus stop. When I told them the story, they said she had been waiting but left, and proceeded to give me the address of the place she had gone. I had no idea what this address was for, nor how she would have known to go there, but I took off running to this place, which was only a few streets away. I get there - it turned out to be a hostel - and told the guy at the desk my story. He said she was there, so we went in this room where all these people were sleeping to look around for her. It turns out there was a girl there who had lost her phone on the bus... on the way to Barcelona from a different city... her name was Laura, not Shelby. Dead end. The guy at the desk was very kind and let me use the computer in the back to tell her mom what was going on. Her mom had all Spanish-speakers she knew ready to call the police if Shelby didn't check in for her flight before it left. After an hour at the hostel, I went back home (it's about 4:00a.m. at this point), finished packing, never slept, and went to the bus station to head out of town, not knowing where in the world Shelby was! So that's how my break began.

The REAL spring break began when we finally got on our bus to Valencia, which we almost missed because the metro decided to run the slowest ever that morning! If you ever have the chance to visit Spain, be sure to go to Valencia! It is one of my favorite cities in Spain thus far out of Barcelona, Cádiz, Sevilla, Tarragona, Montserrat, Granada, and Córdoba. There are a ton of cool bars there, a giant bullring, and some amazing modern architecture at La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. We visited the aquarium there, which was really cool, but it also has a planetarium and some other museums and exhibits. The beach in Valencia is nice too, and even though it was freezing when we went, we still got to have authentic Valencian paella at a restaurant on the waterfront. I really enjoyed the pace in Valencia. There is enough to do, but the city is small enough to walk around and somehow end up back in the same place you started. The first day we were there, we were awakened by the sound of a Palm Sunday procession coming down the street on its way to the cathedral in the nearby Plaza de la Reina, one of the many Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions we would see.

Córdoba was lovely as well. We stayed in the heart of the Juderia, which is the old Jewish quarter. Just a few minutes walk away from our place was the Mezquita - a beautiful mosque that was converted to Christian use after the Jews were expelled from the city. The architecture is amazing because, rather than destroy the mosque, the Christians built a cathedral into the center of it. Literally you can stand in an archway and be flanked by two entirely differently styles of buildings. It's quite a site. We also visited the Alcazar, an old palace for the Christian Kings. The building itself wasn't that exciting, but its gardens were extremely well kept and contained brilliant flowers and tranquil fountains and ponds. I enjoyed Córdoba, and two days there was just enough time to see everything on our list and relax as well.

Granada had the most amazing Holy Week activities! In Spain, specifically southern Spain - I don't think it's as big in the north, there are these organizations called "hermandades," which are comprised of men, women, and children who dress in various robes and dresses and hold processions around the city during Semana Santa. I am not exactly sure what is required to be in an hermandad, or whether they are associated with a specific church or diocese, or even whether there is a priest in each one. I would have to research the religious significance to be able to better explain it, but the processions they held were a unique experience. During each of the holy days leading up to Easter Sunday, these groups march through the streets carrying floats that depict various scenes surrounding the Passion, playing marches or dirges (depending on the float), burning incense, and holding candles, crosses, and banners representing their specific hermandad. Each hermandad has a specific color combination for their robes and hats (which are pointed and had I not known better, would have thought resembled the KKK, but were actually quite intriguing). It was definitely something I have never experienced before. I also went to Easter Vigil on the eve of Easter, which was something I have never participated in before. Paying attention to a mass given in Spanish is not the easiest task, but it was worth the effort. Also in Granada, we visited the Alhambra, which is supposedly one of the best preserved Arabic palaces in the world. The main palace contains copious amounts of incredible detail on nearly every square inch. It was really beautiful, but altogether, I didn't find the Alhambra all it was cracked up to be. I guess considering we got in line for tickets at 7:00 a.m. and waited for two hours in the almost-freezing cold, it would take a heck of a lot to impress me. I am glad that we saw it though. Apparently we have now lived. Granada actually turned out to be my least favorite of the three cities, but I enjoyed the company I was with and the things we experienced.

Well there you have it! Maybe next time I won't wait almost a month to post another blog!

Just Chillin'

2009-03-28T21:10:00.000+01:00

I realize I haven't put up near as many posts in March as I did in February, but there just hasn't been as much going on. I've gotten to the point that I really feel like I live here. I've spent several weekends this month just chilling in Barcelona - getting cafe con leche at sidewalk cafes, going to the gym (I caved and joined one), reading books, and catching up on much needed sleep. My month-long metro pass also ran out about two weeks ago, so I have been walking to school, which takes about 40 minutes in both directions. I would just buy another month pass, but I'm going to be gone for 10 days during April for Semana Santa, so I figure I'll just save money, see more streets in Barcelona, and do my body good all at once! It's actually a lovely walk, especially at 8:30 in the morning when everyone is milling about. I love it!

This weekend a few friends and I went up to the Costa Brava, about an hour north, to a little town called Tossa de Mar. The beaches are beautiful there! The water is incredibly blue and the beaches impeccably clean. Instead of sand on the beach, the shore is composed of lots of tiny pebbles, which is nice because it doesn't stick to your body and get in everything the way sand does. The weather was great while we were there, although I could still handle an extra 15 degrees! The people in Tossa were super nice, too. It's very different from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.

Sevilla, Tarragona, and more Barcelona

2009-03-10T20:18:00.005+01:00

The last two weekends have been chocked full of activities. We went to Seville two weekends ago, and it was a lovely little weekend trip, but I'm glad to be staying in Barcelona. We were able to experience a different side of Spanish culture there that doesn't exist in Catalunya. There is a lot of Arabic and Jewish influence in Sevilla, especially in the architecture. There are many cathedrals that were once mosques but were converted to Christian use when the city was taken over. Flamenco is also a huge part of the culture in southern Spain, and we got to go see an authentic flamenco show one night and go to a flamenco bar the next. I wanted to learn a few steps, but there is no way I could ever move my feet that fast or do so without tripping on the dress (just ask anyone who saw my 8th grade voice recital)! It seems like life just moves at a slower pace in Sevilla, which is great to get away in and relax, but I like the city life here. We also got to eat some great Spanish food in Sevilla. I had no idea gazpacho (cold soup) was so delicious!

This past Friday we took a trip to Tarragona, which is in southern Catalunya, about an hour south of Barcelona. I definitely want to take a day trip down there when the weather warms up! The beaches are gorgeous, and the city is very tranquil and historical. We walked around the old city walls in Tarragona, toured an 800-year-old monastery in Santa Creus, and ate calcots (cal-SOTS), butifarra (Catalan sausage), and crema catalana at a wonderful restaurant there. Calcots are these unusual onions that look a little bit like extra large green onions. I'm not sure exactly how they are cooked, but when they are served they are covered in a burned layer that you have to peel off. After you peel it off, you swirl the onion in a sauce, tip your head upward, then stick the whole thing in your mouth. I've never eaten anything quite like it, and while the flavor was great, I think the experience and method of eating it is even more exciting because it is so unusual. When they served the meats, they brought them to the table on racks that sat over bowls of sizzling coals. Needless to say they were good and hot (and delicious)! Top all that off with crema catalana (which is similar to creme brule) and cafe con leche, and you have one heck of a meal, probably the best I've had since I've been in Spain. I guess you could say I was more excited about the food than the architecture, but it is definitely worth visiting for the history and beauty of the place as well.

On Friday night, after we got back from Tarragona, a few friends and I went to watch a light show at the fountain near Placa Espana. It was nice to just sit a relax and be mesmerized by the music and the play of light on water. Saturday some of us went up the mountain to Tibidabo, where there is a beautiful cathedral and two theme parks. We had every intention of going to the bigger theme park to ride some roller coasters, but when we realized admission was 25 euros, and there was only one really good ride, we opted to spend a lot less and ride some cheesy rides at the smaller park that had good views of the city. You can see pretty much the entire city of Barcelona from the top of this mountain, which makes it worth the trip up just to be able to look out and say "I think I can see my house from here."

People who know me well can tell you all about my limited, if at all existent, knowledge of sports, but I felt I would be doing myself an injustice to leave Barcelona without watching an FC Barca match. Saturday night, that's exactly what my friends and I did. It was pretty incredible to see Camp Nou almost completely full with enthusiastic fans. One interesting tidbit about that stadium - there is no alcohol allowed on the premises and none sold at the concessions. Fans get very involved in the sport and apparently fights frequently break out, especially during Barca vs. Madrid matches, so alcohol would probably only add fuel to the fire. Our seats were pretty high up, but it was fun to watch. Barca won 2-0 over Bilbao, so I would say it was a good game.

I'm glad I finally had the chance to "do" Barcelona. I feel as though I've been experiencing the city, but not so much it's sights as it's culture. There are still plenty of things I need to go see and do, but I have plenty of other weekends for that. What a great city I live in!

Español

2009-03-02T23:38:00.002+01:00

We have a composition due for our Spanish class tomorrow regarding health and medicine. Here is what you get when you cross my awful Spanish skills with an equally terrible online translator:

"Once, when it was in the institute, I had pain of leg, but I did not know because. I discovered a blister in the knee. When the pain began, was not very strong. After two weeks, him fraud the very bad knee, but I thought that I could run. Then, when treat to run, I could not walk well because the pain was very strong. My parents called to an I medicate. The next day visit a clinic and the I medicate told me that I had an infection in the blister in the knee. He gave me medicines, but he improve not. The blister did a hole in. Then, it visited three other doctors, and nobody they knew that step. Finally, an I medicate gave me the tablets with steroids for the infection and red capes that helps me to walk. It told me that himself I could not be put pressure in the leg and I could be taken the tablets each day. If the infection has been very bad, would have had to go to ER. Nowadays, I have a scar in the knee."

Oh the Spanish language...

Time flies

2009-02-26T18:32:00.002+01:00

One month. I've already been here an entire month. I can't believe how fast the weeks are going by! Between going to classes, wandering around the city, and traveling to different places, each week seems to disappear faster than the last. It's been so much fun this far though. The other night, a few of my friends and I went to see a Spanish movie, which I was actually able to follow better than I anticipated. Tomorrow the whole group is going to Seville, which I'm really excited about! Also, my friend Rebecca and I are going to hang out again with the two people we met a few weeks ago in the random bar/restaurant. And tonight, I'm going to have dinner at a friend's apartment (an American girl from the program, but still). I love all of this!

Carnaval

2009-02-24T12:20:00.002+01:00

This past weekend the celebration was even bigger than the last. Carnaval, from what we know, is basically the European version of Mardi Gras, but it is celebrated for about a week and a half before the festivities die down. One of the craziest celebrations takes place in Cádiz, on the southern Atlantic coast of Spain, so some of my friends and I decided to go witness it firsthand. We took a night train (12 hours each way! yay sleep) and got there on Friday morning. We stayed at an awesome golf resort that I found really cheap online in a little down called Chiclana de la Frontera, which is about a 45-minute bus ride from Cádiz. As soon as we got settled into our hotel, we cleaned up and went back into Cádiz. The streets were a little dead when we arrived, but the following day was nothing but mayhem. In the daytime, the streets were a little crowded, and vendors were set up to sell "gofres" (waffles, best eaten with chocolate and whipped cream) and other various snacks, food, and drinks. Decorations were hung across the streets with images like clown faces, Mardi Gras type masks, confetti, and other festive designs. All these things remain once the sun goes down, but there is a stark contrast in the atmosphere. We watched the sun go down on beach and witnessed the conversion of the city from calm to crazy. At night, it's basically like Halloween on crack, but I wouldn't suggest taking kids trick-or-treating. Everyone, mostly 20-somethings, dresses up in any kind of costume they can possibly imagine (and some that you don't want to think about). I ended up wearing a caveman costume, complete with a club, even though it was a little chilly. Some people went around in little groups singing ridiculous songs. At some the of small intersections where a street between two plazas crossed through, you could not move on your own accord, you just had to press up against the person in front of you and move with the crowd. It was one of the craziest things I have ever been a part of. A lot of people are going to Sitges (pronounced SEE-chase), a city south of Barcelona, tonight for more of the festivities, but I don't think I can handle it again. Qué loco!

La Laia

2009-02-18T00:54:00.007+01:00

On February 15th, I had the opportunity to experience a little bit of true Catalan culture. A festival was in process called La Laia, and while I am unsure of the story behind the celebration, I witnessed a little of how they celebrate. We missed a large portion of the festivities, since it had been going on all weekend and we didn't get into the middle of the action until Sunday evening. What we saw included people gathering in circles, some large, some small, and dancing a traditional dance called the Sardana, a pseudo-parade with fire-breathing dragons (literally, with fireworks), and people dressed in costumes covered in flames and shooting off these Roman candle/sparklers. There were also groups of people playing drums, and at one point everyone in the crowd started dancing along the parade route. At times I felt as though I was in the midst of a riot due to all the chaos. It was quite the interesting celebration, and even though I'm not exactly sure what was going on, I'm glad I got to see it first hand. The only part I'm disappointed I missed was the building of human castles that can climb 10 stories high! Hopefully I will have the chance to see those on another occasion.

Mediterranean!!

2009-02-16T19:54:00.003+01:00

It took two weeks of being here, but I picked the perfect day to finally lay eyes on the Mediterranean in sunlight! Saturday morning, after a cafe con leche and two small chocolate-drizzled croissants, my friend Sam and I walked on the beach for a solid two hours. We started at the Arc de Triompf and walked through the Parc de la Cituadella, then down toward Port Olimpic and finally hit the beach at about noon. Since I've been in Barcelona, the weather has been a little chilly, but that morning was perfect. I was able to sit on the beach with just a t-shirt and was actually warm (although a jacket was still helpful). The Mediterranean is this beautiful deep blue, as opposed to the bright turquoise colors of the Caribbean. You'll never understand unless you see it with your own eyes (but I'll posted pictures so you can try). We finished up at Port Vell, which made me want to jump on a sailboat and disappear into the sea. Amazing!

The remainder of my Valentine's Day was spent getting delicious chocolate-covered waffles with some of the girls in the group and wandering around with my friend/roommate Monica to see what new things we could find. We ended up going to a cute little restaurant in the Born neighborhood for dinner with another friend of ours, which was a nice little treat. This was probably one of my favorite days so far. It was so nice to take full advantage of a day and take in so many sites and experiences in such great company!

Gente yo conozco

2009-02-13T11:22:00.003+01:00

I have heard it said that Barcelona isn't Spain and that the people in Barcelona mind their own business and aren't very friendly. From my experiences that stereotype is false. Perhaps it is true that Barcelona isn't really Spain - there are other cities that are supposed to capture the essense of the country better, such as Madrid, Seville, and Granada - but this city is an experience all of its own. Last night I went with two friends to a little bar/restaurant to have dinner. Of course the three of us were speaking English, but I kept catching myself accidentally staring at this young couple at the table next to us. There was also a young boy who must have been about 10 talking with them (I think he may have been the owner's son). It wasn't even that I was extremely interested in what they were saying, but I kept hearing bits and pieces that I could understand, and their conversation was lively enough to capture my attention. After a while I think they must have noticed because somehow we struck up a conversation. They spoke little to no English, so we were forced to focus and use our Spanish skills to the best of our abilities. It's encounters like this that make me disbelieve the stereotype, because these two people were incredibly nice. Their names were Laia and Xavi (I think). We talked for almost half an hour, and then I had to leave to catch the metro before it closed. Xavi was saying that he speaks French as well (and Catalan), and how the best way to learn a language is through intercambios (exchanges) with native speakers. Apparently she had taken English in school for many years, but I don't know if she honestly didn't really learn it or if she just didn't want to speak it because we couldn't convince her to try. It was good conversation though, and honestly, I was able to understand more than I thought I would. They told us that they are usually at that place almost every night, so I'm definitely thinking about going back there for some more convo.

Not only have I had conversations in Spanish in a couple of different places, but I have also had several conversations in English, usually with people in the metro. I don't mean Spaniards who speak English - I mean the people whose loud English makes it completely obvious that they, like me, are here on a semester program. It's funny to see their reactions when I turn around and ask how long they've been here or what program they're with - I can't tell if people are shocked that I'm bold enough to ask or if they just aren't used to people here coming up and talking in English. Either way, it's entertaining.

2009-02-08T17:39:00.000+01:00

I'm putting up pictures!!! Visit this site for more: http://picasaweb.google.com/emilynwhite/Barcelona?feat=directlink. Here's one of the entrance to Parc Guell. What a beautiful place!

Mi Primer Semana Aqui

2009-02-02T10:30:00.006+01:00

So I've officially been in Barcelona for a week now - this semester is going to fly by, I can already tell. I haven't stopped finding new places since I arrived, although a few metro stops have become like the north star. There is something new to discover everytime you turn a corner. Like most larger cities, Barca has different neighborhoods, each offering something a little different from the next. I think my favorite so far is Grácia, which is less than a 10 minute walk from my apartment. There are great little bars and restaurants to stumble upon in that area. Night life is interesting here. People eat lunch around 2-4 and dinner between 9 & 11, so they get a much later start when they go out for the night. As a result, people stay out until 5 or 6 in the morning.

I have already had the chance to see several landmarks and a museum. Our group took a bustop tour (we hadn't even been here a week, so we were still allowed to look like tourists) which took us past many Gaudí structures including his Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, La Sagrada Familia, and up to Parc Guell, all of which express his imagination and extreme attention to detail. A few of my friends and I went to the Museo Picasso the other day. I never realized how diverse his works are and how much talent he possessed. Most people know him for his famous pieces, such as Guernica, but those are housed in a larger Picasso museum in Madrid. The collection here includes many incomplete sketches and early works as well as some of his interpretations of Valezquez's Las Meninas. Maybe when I need some inspiration for my painting and drawing class I can get it from Picasso.

In other news: Apparently Barcelona is normally very dry, but it has been raining for about 4 days straight. Not really a big deal, except when you don't bring rainboots and your shoes get wet, oh and when you need to do laundry but have to hang it out to dry. Let's just say I'm ready for some sun. I have yet to visit the Mediterranean, but as soon as that sun comes out, I'm there!

We started class yesterday. In typical Emily fashion, I kind of upset the system, haha. In order to take a class at the University of Barcelona, there is a placement exam students are required to take. Friday morning is when the exam was given, and Friday afternoon is when I changed my mind and decided I wanted to take a class at UB. So because of that, I still don't actually know my full class schedule because I don't know which level I placed into (I'll find out in a few hours). As of now I'm taking a full load - 18 hours - but it's stuff like photography and painting and drawing, so I'm not too worried about it.

I'm excited to continue exploring and learning new places and things about the city!
Adios a todos!

Nuestros apartamento!

2009-01-28T12:42:00.002+01:00

Estoy aqui, finalmente!! The tiny bit of the city I've been able to see is incredible so far. Every building in the center of the city has beautiful embellishments and stories upon stories of apartments, each complete with its own balcony for a view of the city and a little fresh air. After two nights in a hotel (we are going through orientation this week) we were able to move into our respective apartments. I have four roommates, two guys and two girls (5 of us total), and they are all great. We are about a fifteen minute metro ride from the center of the city where we'll be taking classes. We took a van when we went to the apartment for the first time and as we were getting closer, streets started to look a little older and buildings a little more run down than what we had been seeing. When we pulled up, all of us were a little nervous about what the apartment would be like - judging by the outside, it didn't look like much. We were pleasantly mistaken! Our apartment is absolutely amazing and completely exceeded any expectations!! It has balconies in each room, modern furnishings combined with a few beautiful pieces of older furniture, and both heat and air conditioning (which is not common in Spain), and WiFi. Now we just have to figure out how to get around on the metro and where the local mercado is. We're on our way back to the university now, so gotta go!

2009-01-22T00:20:00.001+01:00

I have 3 days left to finish packing and, big surprise, I have yet to open a suitcase! Figures. My mom keeps asking me if I'm going to be ready to go... no doubt I will be by the time I need to ship out on Sunday (technically I'll fly out, but it sounds better the other way). I'll at least be ready in terms of luggage, but it's hard to say whether I'm actually ready. I can't wait to get to Barcelona and experience all that lies ahead, but how can I truly be ready for something for which I have no idea how to prepare? I am thrilled to set off on this journey and am prepared to face the unexpected. I think half the thrill right now is in not knowing exactly what to expect once I get off the plane. What does the mist from the Mediterranean smell like? Will I have any idea what people are saying? What's the most popular dish at dinnertime? What will my roommates be like? The list goes on and on. That's the beauty of going to an unfamiliar place. I get to learn new things and experience new places every day. How can a person get ready for that? Knowing too much in advance would ruin half the fun! So tomorrow, or the next day, or the next, I'll pack my bags, then Sunday I'll board a plane, fly across the Atlantic, and begin an amazing, potentially life-changing adventure. Who knows what I'll discover in the process!

Muchos Saludos!