my blogs are so ugly

I am well aware of me not making sense when I'm updating you guys. I'm just so excited that my brain always wanders off. AND I hate that I have so many spelling errors and dumb mistakes (using wonder instead of wander, there instead of their). But I'm in this limbo stage between English and Spanish and sometimes I word my english phrases the way i would my Spanish which is no bueno. But whatever, you get the point. 

I love Cordoba. I love my history class. I didn't love the food at first (shock right? cuz i love to eat), but my senora is such a good cook that I'm starting to love it. And as crazy as the kids are in my house, I love them.

There's seriously a new story everyday. So like i was saying before, our two year old Quique is going through potty training and I make fun of him for it sometimes...ok almost every time (i think he's going to be scarred when he's older). I might have told you this before but I accidentally called him Quiqui (kiki) because I was trying to say Quique pee peed (quique+pee pee= Quiqui). WELL, the other day during lunch, our parents were teaching us palabrotas (bad words) in Spanish, (I have the coolest parents) and the dad said kiki (sp?) is another word for F*** and I just bursted out laughing. Then I remembered that moment, how my senora was laughing so ridiculously hard. I thought it was funny, but not THAT funny. Now I know why. The dad decided to elaborate some more and was like so basically the whole time you were calling quique (excuse my language) "fuuuck, come here fuuck" AJAJA.

Then at breakfast the other morning, the kids really wanted to dance to Shakira's Waka Waka, so we played it on the radio. We started dancing and Quique started jumping up and down. All of a sudden he stops and says "Oh, cacaa" and then starts jumping again. Then they brought they're dolls out and started dancing with them. It was adorable. Oh, and so funny because Lorena threw a doll at me and Quique got so mad at her and started to defend me by hitting her. It was hilar.

Well, I'm off to Flamenco class right now! See you all very soon :)

Besos!

Bull fight in Pozo Blanco!

AHHH 25 euros, an hour bus ride, and a shot of cafe con leche later, I find myself on aisle 10 in the plaza de torros getting ready to watch my first (and only) bull fight. I can't even describe how I felt as I sat on the stands watching the imminent death of an innocent bull. It was gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, tear-jerking feeling, all at the same time. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I tried not to look, but it's one of those things where you just have to (kind of like killing a spider and having to check to make sure it's dead). I stayed until half way and made sure I left before the 3rd bull (there are 6, I KNOW, SIX)....I seriously had post-traumatic stress disorder for about an hour after. I've never seen such a gruesome thing LIVE especially since the first matador sucked and absolutely did NOT give the bull a clean death...yea

he looks so sad :(

So I leave the plaza and meet up with a couple of other friends at the fair (they left after the first bull). I was seriously shaking, just traumatized, but after a couple chocolate churros and some liquid comfort, I finally calmed down. What an experience. For the longest time, I couldn't understand how this was part of Spain's culture. This, inhumanity. Surprised, even that there wasn't a group of PETA activists (Persons for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) protesting outside the plaza. Disgusted, with myself for paying to see this. I tried to see what the Spanish saw in this. I tried to see the "culture" in this, but for the life of me, I couldn't. It wasn't until talking to my roommate that made me realize that it isn't the killing of the bull that the Spanish feed off of, it's the art. I know what you're thinking, this is art? As much as it breaks my heart (and you know it does), yes, it is. The swiftness in which the matador waves the red muleta. The way he reads the bull's every move. The way he establishes authority over the bull. The cleanliness of every shot, not to mention the athleticism to outrun an angry 2000+lb bull.

Though the first matador was crap, the 2nd really displayed his art. There was a moment when everyone in the plaza stood up, cheered and started waving white handkerchiefs. At first I was shocked, how can people be so inhumane, cheering for death (it reminded me of gladiators back then). Then I realized that they were cheering for the quick, clean, immediate death in which both art and skill were involved (ok, not much better right? I would like to believe they were cheering for less suffering and a respectable death) But, adopting a new perspective really helped me understand the culture in bull fighting. I don't have to agree with it, but I can accept it. This is something that's been alive for hundreds of years. It brings people from all over the country, both young and old, together, in one stadium. It's a place where people keep these old traditions alive.

So that was my little blurb of the bull fight. Some other things that happened this week. Went to explore Medina Alcazar with Janice. Its this beautiful fort/garden of a Christian king.

sitting on top of a castle, seriously almost fell

And took a tour of the Mezquita. The (I want to say) 3rd biggest mosque (because Cordoba had a lot of Arab/muslim influence). Inside the mosque, ironically, is a Christian chapel (built a few centuries after). It's so cool because most of the mosque is dark and almost eerie, but the church was the only source of light (because it had so many windows). Symbolism, yea? It really is a beautiful sight, and it's so awesome to be living right next to it.

Oh I almost forgot! There's this place called Santo's with the best tortilla española (its like this potato and egg tortilla) and it's right next to the Mezquita!

sitting by the Mezquita with our tortillas

I wish I could write more about the history of every single place I visit, of every site that I see, but it's just too overwhelming. It's almost like information overload. I'm trying to just soak it all in right now and learn as much as I possibly can. What I value most is the history and the story behind every building, column, church, monument, painting, sculpture, song, dance, etc. Because without history, those things are merely objects, inanimate and lifeless. Knowing the history of it all breathes life and existence into these things, into this city. That's why I love being here, there has been so much history, so much life. (Oh, and Spanish history, without a doubt is my fav class!).

The more I'm here, the more my purpose is revealed. The more I understand the language, the more I understand the culture and the people. And the more I eat, the fatter I get.

By the way, the hardest part is choosing which pictures to show you guys, so here's my shutterfly!

http://photosdespana.shutterfly.com/

Until then my friends! Besos!

Adventures in Ronda

Ok, so here's the update. But before that, I do want to preface with a, 'yes, I can be pretty dumb sometimes'. Uh-oh is right. So here we go.

Traveling to Ronda by train was a breeze. We used a youth card that gave us discounts for train, bus, some flights and hostels, etc. Anyways, we arrive and the first thing we do is go shopping. It was shoe heaven. Sales left and right. I bought a pair of comfortable heels for 15 euros... yada yada, enough about shopping. We got some gelato (even though it was cold, and even though I was coughing my head off, but I was craving it!). Then we went to a cute cafe, ordered sangria and desert (for dinner, the waiter looked at us like we were crazy... we are).

Early next morning, we make our way towards old town. Get breakfast, and head onto La Casa de Rey Moro (the house of the moorish king). I didn't know anything about the house besides Michelle Obama's visit in August (actually, I found out after). It was sooo beautiful and it overlooked the ravine. It also had this cool but creepy mine that went down as deep as ravine. From what I know (not much), slaves used to run up and down the mine. In it, was "the room of secrets" (if you speak from a corner of the room, you wouldn't be able to here it in the center). So we slowly trek down (slowly, key word) and go not even half way because it was eerie beyond imagination. But we knew we couldn't leave without making it to the bottom (we had to get our 4 euros worth, and I wasn't going to let the chain of slave ghosts bother me!). Finally, after much panting, we reach the bottom, peeked in the room of secrets, and within seconds, we ran back up again while singing 'This little light of mine'. Despite our short visit, I'm proud to say, we did it!

creepy cave

Tunnel we found, don't think the Moorish king would have been very happy with me

our creepy but nice tour guide

After that, we wonder down to wherever and we meet this hombre (man) who lives in Ronda. He's baldish and kind of has thick crazy eyebrows. But he starts talking to us, asking us where we're from, etc, etc. Then he starts showing us the different buildings, starts taking pictures of us, for us. Then he invites us into his house. That's when the alarm went off. Creepy, old man inviting you into his lair. (Ok, so this is where the preface of 'I can be really dumb sometimes' comes in) In my head, I was trying to figure out how I could create a weapon out of the things in my purse (keys to gouge his eyes? Ew I know). Turns out that he wanted to show us pictures that he took of celebrities (Robert Denero (sp?), Madonna, Michelle Obama--he even gave me a blurry pic of her). I also found out that he picks chestnuts for a living and I'm assuming he makes quite a lot for that. He also tells us of a place called Igualejo where you can rent a whole house for only 20 euros. After the tour of his house (oh, by the way, he has a sick view!) he takes us to different museums and talks people into letting us in for free! We went to about 4 or 5? The arab bath house, an art museum with Picasso! (who was born in Malaga--Ronda is a small pueblo in Malaga), an inquisition museum, which also had a torture museum at the bottom (freaky), and many others (he really wanted to take us to places Michelle Obama went). Then we went to the Plaza de Toros which was aaawweessomme. BUT, by then, me and Janice were getting a little bit annoyed with him, because seriously, what does this guy want? Finally, we told him we had to catch our train (which we did in an hour) and peaced out.Thank God he was only a little crazy. And I realize now that this could have been my own rendition of Taken, but with a creepy old guy (what a downgrade). I know I was so lucky, and mom if you're reading this, next time I'll be much more careful, promise! 

Arab Bath house

Funny faces

Making funny faces

totally illegal, will I get in more trouble for putting this up?

The "new" bridge (build in the 1780ish)

Head squasher. Yes, I know it's a little morbid.

old fashion sex machine that witches built. Gross, mostly because it's probably used. (Also, George Clooney built one like this in Burn After Reading). So the story behind this is that back then, sex was only for procreation, and so people went to these witch doctors for...this. Yea, I know.

Plaza de Torros!

Came home to my neighborhood Mezquita

And this :)

So, that's pretty much it. Came home to good old Cordoba and went to the filmoteca to watch a film for less than a euro "Amor en fin". So I've definitely overstaying my regular visit to the cafe, time to leave!

Besos!

Guess where I`m at

Ok, so I stole this from the internet, but I will upload my own very soon!

Oh, and by the way, it´s been a crazy week, but I´m using the hostel comp and my minutes are almost up so I will update you guys later! BUT, if you travel to Rhonda, stay at Hostel Arunda 1. It´s only 35 euros a night for 2 people and it´s super close walk from the train station, it´s right next to a street full of shopping and bars and cafes, and a walkable distance to the old part of town! And the receptionist is SUPER sweet! I´ve only been here a few hours and besides me being all snotty (because I´m sick--the weather has made a total 180, from scorching hot to hail-like rain!), I´m absolutely loving it! Tomorrow me and Janice are waking up bright at early 7 (I know we´re crazy) to have churros for breakfast (we found this cute hidden breakfast place) and make our way to the beatiful old part of town! yay!

Hasta Luego!

Cádiz!

This weekend mis amigos y yo fuimos a Cádiz! I LOVE LOVE Cádiz. This little town was just so picturesque. The beach, the streets, the plazas, everything! We took the bus from Córdoba to Cádiz saturday morning. Spent a few hours looking for a hostel (We thought we booked one in advanced, but actually didn't). It's funny because I found out that the previous hostel I booked was a 45 minute drive from the bus station, and I wasn't going to taxi all the way there. I started freaking out because there was no way I could cancel and I'd already spent 60 euros to book the hostel. But just as I started to freak out, I see an email from the hostel telling me that they actually couldn't book me because it was full. THANK YOU JESUS. 

So there we are in Cadiz, without a place to stay ( I mean, we could have stayed up all night and partied like some other girls--but I found out later that they had a miserable time). We walk hostel to hostel, and all were either booked or too expensive. But then I remember a hostel that our director told me about and we happened to be close by. As we walked there, I kept on praying that there were free rooms, and there was! It's actually quite amazing how we found a hostel being that it was a weekend during the perfect time to travel. I know it's no big deal, but I'm just so grateful. Because, had we not found a place to stay, I know for sure, I would have been miserable.

After we settled in, we practically all ran to the beach. It was soo beautiful and reminded me a little bit of San Diego on a good day. After the beach, we went to get some drinks. Got me a Tinto de Verano (sangria) which was delicious.

But the best thing in Cádiz, for me at least, was when we ran into a street performer at some plaza (there are a lot). He was playing this weirdo instrument. Looked like a small piano with no strings. But he was AMAZING. I had to do everything I could to stop myself from giving him the 10 euros I had in my pocket. I found out later that he's from norway and he's just traveling all over europe, doing what he loves. That seriously was the highlight of my trip. I know, it's weird. But I just can't help it. I can look at beautiful paintings and buildings, but when I listen to beautiful music, it's as if God's talking to me. I'm so glad I got to see that, and take a video of it too!

Mis amigas!

Later at night, I decided not to go to crazy La Punta (where all the young people are partying) and went to some cute little bars instead with good company.

Ok so I'm getting kicked out of the internet cafe ahaha. sorry this was a crappy blog with a crappy ending!!

Hasta luego!

Mi familia en Córdoba

Plaza de Tendillas en Córdoba

Hola mis amigos! I owe you a long overdue introduction to my host family.

My señora’s name is Valle, she’s not really a señora because she’s quite young. She has two kiddos named Enrique (ki-que for short) and Lorena. They are probably the rowdiest kids I’ve ever met. There’s not a moment (except for siesta) where these two aren’t bouncing off the walls. It’s quite a zoo here, but I am so blessed to have them as my family. I love it.

Valle is super patient with us. I’ve heard horror stories where the mom treats the student as she would a tenant. Or giving them curfews and not letting them out. Our mom definitely wants me and Janice to feel a part of the family. Already the first day, she asked us to help her in the kitchen. But you know me, I’m probably the most uncomfortable and incompetent in there. And boy, there was no need to translate that into Spanish.

So she makes all the meals for us, and you can tell she puts a lot of thought and effort into them. She wants us to be able to experience the different types of food. She’s like the perfect host mom. She chats with us over meals, helping us with our Spanish. And she’s always so happy to see us, telling us every so often that she’s so happy that we’re her “kids”. Every morning, she greets me with a “buenos dias bonita” and gives me a kiss on the forehead. She’s really quite precious.

Quique y Yo!

It’s always so fun in the house. There’s always so much going on with the kiddies. Our Quique is 2 years old and going through potty training right now. Valle told us on the first day of school. He peed and some kid fell in it while another sat in it. The other day, I saw Kique pee his pants and, ok, I kind of rubbed it in his face, a little. And that whole day, he was mad at me because he was embarrassed. He would call me tonto (stupid) and hit me. And open the door just to yell at me in baby language, and slam it, and open it again, yell, and slam, about 3 times. To say the least, he’s quite the sassy one. But it’s quite funny because he’s like a little man.

Lorena y Quique

Lorena is 5 years old and she is such a beautiful little girl. She looks like a little model and you can tell she’s one of the more popular kids at school. We painted nails the other day and she insisted on painting one of my feet orange, and the other blue. It was a crazy mess because she painted my nails like she would a coloring book and she didn’t bother to stay in the lines. She is precious.

trading shoes !

And then there’s the dad, Big Enrique (his father’s name is Enrique as well). He’s super nice, but always at work. He takes the kids out to the park after work every night. I still find it weird that the kids don’t have dinner till 9 or 10 and they’re still up at 12. I feel like a gramma all the time because I sleep way more than the kids do.

I’m so thankful to be a part of this family. To able to go through this stage of life with them is such a privilege. I’m also so glad that my house mate is Janice. If you don’t know her, we’re apart of the same college ministry at UCSD. Its funny because we both insist on speaking Spanish no matter how hard it is. But most of the time we’re just asking “como? Como? Una vez” We are trying though!

Cookie

Oh, can’t forget the family cat. Cookie, who always insists on sleeping and shedding on my pillow every time I leave the room. Last time I caught her crashing in my suitcase. No me gustan los gatos :(

A wee bit of culture shock

I've been thinking a lot about how to start my first entry in Spain. I would like to be overwhelmed with excitement, but quite honestly, I'm just overwhelmed. It really is a completely different culture. And I am, to say the least, shocked. I've realized what makes cultures so different are an aggregation of little things. What people eat, the time they eat (lunch isn't until 3 and dinner at 9), la siesta despues el almuerzo (nap after lunch), what people wear, the night life (everyone stays out until 6am), that people here think flip flops are weird (and that's all I wear), people don't tip, they talk really fast, smoking everywhere, AND there are actually quite a few Asians here, and they speak fluent Spanish (that was probably the biggest shock for me).

But, sitting here in a smoke filled internet cafe with the white noise of a language I can't even understand, is difficult. I want to tell you about my host family and how cute my host siblings are, how thankful I am that my señora tiene mucho paciencia con mi y mi 'hermana' Janice (my host mom has so much patience with me and Janice), I want to write about the beautiful city of Córdoba, I want to talk about how amazing it is living in the (some say) most beautiful city en España, pero no puedo (but I can't), at least not right now. 

I really didn't expect to feel this way. I don't even know what it is. Confused? Lost? I'm just at a loss for words. And estoy frustrada porque I'm a very verbal person and the fact that I can't express myself is almost suffocating. But I'm trying, and I know it'll get better, it has to get better.

This is a new feeling for me, but it's funny because I almost embrace it. In my past, I've always learned the most during my darkest moments (not that I'm saying this is a dark moment, but it's certainly not the highlight). So I'm hopeful, more than that. Aprenderé muchisimo (I will learn so much), and that's what I came here for. 

There are so many things I want to tell you. But, I need to process it for myself first. So por favor, be patient with me :). 

Pictures to come!

In about 2 hours...

I'll be on my way to the airport. After a whole day of stuffing, shoving, taking out, putting back in, then taking back out again, I'm finally finished! A whopping 31 x 20 x 13 hulk of a suitcase weighing a total of 70lbs. (Yes, I'll be paying overweight fee, I just don't see how it's possible to get it under 50!)

I arrive at Spain at 9 am tomorrow morning. I really don't know what to expect. Will I walk out the automatic doors and be overwhelmed by the "Spanish Culture", whatever that is, I don't know yet. But I think not. Will I be mesmerized by the magnificent cathedrals and architecture? Will I consume more wine than tapas? Will I flood my friends' facebook newsfeeds with photos of statues with their things hanging out?

Perhaps, and most likely yes for the last.

I don't know what there is to expect. But I'm going in with an open mind. Again the words "A donde vayas, haz lo que veas" (similar to "when in Rome, do as the Romans do"), ring my mind.

Ok, so I know what you're thinking. There may be a downside to this. Obviously I don't want to be stupid and hang out with random extremely cute yet extremely sketchy foreign guys and be sold as a sex slave, and then have my dad fight all the bad guys (good thing he's a retired C.I.A. agent), and after being rescued by my dad, have him hook me up with singing lessons from a famous pop sensation. I am well aware of the consequences. (Sorry if I just ruined the movie for you, it's a great film, you should go see it...or not).

And plus, I'm going to try not to stand out more than I already do (I'm Asian).

Probably the most Asian picture I have myself: drinking boba in Taiwan. You can't get more Asian than this.

 I'm not going to do whatever I'd like just because I'm in a foreign country. I'll be open-minded about it, but there's a difference between 'accepting' and 'trying-to-be-like' (for lack of a better word).  Anyways, my goal is to stay true to myself and not see being in a foreign country as an opportunity to be someone else. (I emphasize "not" because so often, that's what people do, and then they go crazy) Instead, it's an opportunity to get to know ME a little better, I guess you can say, an extension of myself, no, not like a third appendage.

OK, well I'm off to my last lunch this year with the parentals. WOW. Then off to the airport!


¡Nos vemos en España!

GRE CHECK! ESPAÑA, ALLÁ VOY!