Updates of all updates

First of all, my new address:

Calle de Talamanca 1A
Piso 2D
28807 Alcala de Henares

Let's just say, this appartment has been less than accommodating. It took me a closer look to realize the whole kitchen is covered in mold. It was pretty clear it hadn't been cleaned since it's construction. I put on my gloves, bought some bleach and a scrub and tried my best for 3 hours. I don't think I actually got any of it off, but at least I felt it was less of a health risk. I hung a note that said to please clean your plates after use. Half an hour later, there were dirty plates in the sink. The kitchen is the only common room in this appartment but it's difficult to feel comfortable. I'm going to sit it out for a few weeks.

So last week I went to the dance class, which was actually kind of fun. I'm really not used to having to follow, but this class made it a whole lot easier. Obviously this class was overpopulated with people of the female race, but that didn't matter, we had fun!

On Saturday I went to Salamanca with ESN. A two-hour drive that ended up in a truly spectacular looking city. It looks a lot bigger than Alcala, even though it has half as many people in it. And all of the city is centered on the top of a hill, which makes it very idyllic. Salamanca houses the oldest university in Europe, although many of the buildings are solely for touristic purposes now. The first day, we walked around, feeling cold and at night we went out to a local student bar. This evening coincides with carnaval festivities, so all the students were dressed up and considerably drunk. 

The next day we had the opportunity to walk around a bit more. I took advantage of that and spent most of my time in the cathedral, which was extremely purifying.

 

(my appologies for more Camino related stuff)

 

Who knew the cathedral would have such a meditative effect on us...

On our way back to Alcala, we stopped by Ávila, a village that is known for its full circle city walls. Completely intact, this is impressive to say the least. But since everybody was freezing and the rain was drenching us, we didn't stay too long.

All in all, a good trip, with many bar stops for a hot coffee.

This week, I started my Spanish course. My test put me in the highest level group, which I definitely appreciate, but I hope I can still evolve. The teacher made us fill out a form about what we expected and longed from the class. So I hope it will be satisfying in the end.

On Wednesday I went on an impromptu tapas run with some people from the Spanish course, we ran into bunch more 'Erasmussers' since everybody was coming out to see the football game. Super exciting, if I would care about football. The company made all the shouting and Spanish over-agressiveness worth it though!

I am glad I'm finally discovering the tapas culture. At first I didn't think Alcala had the "free tapa with your drink" policy but now I know where to go!

On Thursday I got invited to a birthday party. Again with awesome company, we shared many laughs, a lot of alcohol and I shared my native language with no one, I'm still thankful there are hardly any Belgians in Alcala. After the house party, we moved on to the Erasmus bar at which point I lost detailed recollection of whatever happened after. I remember there was nail polish involved at some point... 

Lets just say the alcohol didn't agree with me in the morning. 

(Not implying I am a drunk on a regular basis, this hardly ever happens)

I am now exclusively using my Spanish number:
0034-638102004

Also, I would like to remind anyone who was planning on visiting me... that they were planning on visiting me.
Just to give you an incentive: today we reached 17°C in Alcala, and it's only getting better!

Hmmm Mexican food

So another exciting week has past.

Like I predicted, Cuenca was absolutely amazing. It's only an hour away from Madrid and still, it is situated is the prettiest mountainous landscape. I have to admit I was terrified of going without actually knowing anyone but I got talking with some people very quickly.

Some of the students were new to Alcala, others are here for the whole year.

When we arrived at Cuenca, it was very clear that we had underestimated the weather. It was about 0°C and at the top of the village, it was snowing. You can imagine the faces of the few Brazilian students, it's heartwarming to see them in snowy conditions for the first time in their lives. Unfortunately, it was not feet-warming; we were so cold that we explored the city in fast-forward mode and went for the first hot chocolate in sight.

Cuenca was originally in Arabic hands so there are still a fair amount of "moor" aspects. The most famous part of Cuenca are the hanging houses ("casas colgadas") which are build on the side of a rock overlooking the canyon. A pretty, but scary sight to behold!

 

On Monday, my friend Pauline came into town. The first thing I did was take her to "El Burrito", a mexican restaurant in Alcala that has won over several of my visitors already. It is not a very Spanish thing to do, but Pauline is not new to Spanish culture so I felt it was permitted. The nachos they serve are incredible, we feasted on them like it was our last meal! The owner even treated us to a free shot of tequila, after which we went to bed which kind of defeated the purpose but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

The next day we went to the Xanadu shopping mall in Madrid. This place is honestly every girl's dream. I've been there several times now, and I discover new things every time! It takes about 90 minutes to get there from Alcala, but it's so worth it. With a food court like you've never seen one in Belgium (not hard, they don't even exist in Belgium), Pauline and I first went to Muerde La Pasta,  a restaurant than seats over 300 people with a pasta buffet of about a 100 dishes. For 10 euros, you just fill up your plate and get sick from eating too much. But it's all SO delicious!!

Obviously we did some shopping as well (my first real spending spree since living in Spain!)

The next day we went to Madrid centre to do some more shopping. In the evening we had another mouthwatering dinner at a Pizzeria in my street.

This week I also attended most of my new classes. One class in particular got me excited to come to Alcala in the first place: "Tradición y presencia hispana en los Estados Unidos" (its translation is evident). Since I want to become an interpreter in the United States, where the two most spoken languages are English and Spanish (which I study) I thought this course would be really interesting. Unfortunately it was full and I had to contact the teacher to try and add me to the class. When I went to the first class, there were only six of us, the second class, only four! This class was in no way complete, lucky me! A small group makes for interesting teacher-student interaction and discussions. It is much easier for me to memorize information when it's given to me in an interactive manner.

And the teacher's very passionate about his subject, which doesn't hurt :)

Another class is Juridical Translation, and I think this might be a challenge, but an exciting one!

However, I'm most excited for my extended Spanish course. With three nights a week, it will keep me busy and hopefully I can move on to a higher level of Spanish proficiency quickly.

Also, this weekend I'm going to Salamanca with ESN; I'm really trying to seize every opportunity I get. As such, I'm going to a salsa class this evening - shoot me now!

Trading Spaces

The time has finally come!

Today I officially moved appartments, after going back and forth three times to get all my stuff there.

It is with some sadness that I'm leaving, the place I come from is close to heaven but unfortunately not close to school. I also hope Julia won't be too lonely, with most of us out of the house now...

A few pics of the old place:

the movie night living room

 my monster bed

 my monster closet (if only I had ALL my clothes with me to put in there)

and a few pics of the new place:

At least now I have a couch to throw my stuff on, instead of the floor!

a bed as single as my life :)

My new place does not have a living room, which is either going to make me camp out in my bedroom or force me to go outside. I'm hoping the latter, since yesterday we measured 21°C in Alcala! My new room is right in the city centre, a five minute walk from school, parties and grocery stores, the bus to Madrid isn't far either.

This week I had a short and sweet visit from Pauline, next week she will return for a longer and probably crazier visit! Tomorrow I'm taking the first trip of the semester with ESN (Erasmus Student Network) to Cuenca, and judging by the pictures, it's going to be a magical destination!

Next week I'm enrolling in a Spanish course seperate from the university. It is the more economical option because it offers all the 4 language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in just one class. The course will take 2 months /3 days a week, which is a steady exposure to Spanish.

At university I'm starting some trial classes: institutional translation, juridical translation, Hispanic presence in the US and English sociolinguistics. All very exciting.

Once my week with Pauline is over, I'm also set on getting a gym membership and getting in tiptop shape by summer time! Please don't hesitate to ask me about the progress I'm making in that department :D

Also, Madrid has now introduced a new bus line that can take you from the airport straight to Alcala and back, so you no longer have to go through Madrid. Be gone 2-hour travel time!!

I'm also urging people that were planning on visiting me to book 1½ month in advance, prices rise quickly and there are not many €22 flights left!

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