Valencia, Spain
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Why you should/shouldn´t travel with me.
So I know it has been a long time since I´ve posted but believe it or not its because i´ve been busy (yeah, what the heck right? Its summer) … (I have adopted 40 people from the CEA program to mentor, disciple, and teach leadership skills to occupy my time) and not just lost somewhere in Spain – as that would be expected by now.
“I am learning discipline, expanding my memory, and punctuality”
- That is actually a self quote at dear ol Beckham’s birthday party.
However, it is almost impossible for me to wake up in the morning to go to class (especially after hitting the discotecha hard with zach until early morning… and that black vodka drink haha jk …. … …….. ), I constantly forget where I am in the city (but good thing Alex and lonely planet are BFFs), and well, I am becoming more punctual I think, although the remnants of antipunctuality (Africa) has deterred me a bit.
With all that said, Spain has been a wonderful place to refine my skills so that hopefully afterward, when I return to the states, Beckham will finally accept me. For example, this weekend…
Flying by the seat of my pants (and Chelsea’s) I decide to go to Valencia which is another beach city on the coast of eastern Spain. Beautiful. I leave the two points which complete my equilateral triangle (Cody and Alex) at home and embark with John Alford and some other CEA friends (the ones that will be co-chairs next year) to the “City of Bats” … by myself. Yeah, so I wasn´t able to buy the ticket in advance so I had to wing it and go to the station the morning of and try to find a ticket (John and the others had purchased theirs weeks ago and were well on their way by now). But I do get a ticket! I think… upon reaching the station, my Spanish senses tingle and I approach a random ticket counter. In fluent español, I say “I want to go to Valencia por favor” (yup, just like that) and get handed a ticket. Cool, thanks God. On the ticket the only things displayed are the date, how much I paid, and that I’m going from Barcelona to Valencia. I turn around to see an array of platforms of which I have no idea which one to go to and of course I’m oblivious to the departure time. Oh. Well, after many charades I find myself on platform 9 waiting for a 9:30 train. At around 9:45 the monitors flash with an attention disclaimer. After staring at it for about 15 minutes, I decipher that there has been an accident and that my train will be delayed. So after waiting in uncertainty, sweating with nervousness, I make friends with a group of musician that speak English and who are also going to Valencia!
Thank you God number two.
They then tell me to hop onto a train with them which was on a different platform, which I do, of course. Don´t worry guys, I asked them if they were sure first. After boarding the train my senses tingle again and I am positive I’m on the wrong train. As I get up to get off the train, the doors close and the train starts to move. So, I’m panicking again – more sweat stains. In my dire situation, I pray that it works out somehow and right before I begin to black out, my phone rings and its John.
“hey, did you just get on my train?”
John’s train apparently was delayed as well and as they passed through Barcelona Sants (my train station) a large group of people boarded, including a group of musicians and a totally oblivious kid with a neon hat.
Thank you God number three.
Anyways, I would totally recommend Valencia. Its history is incredible which is matched with its great cuisine and attractions. The hostels there are nice too and people are friendly. I ended up running into my musician friends again whom I thanked over and over again.
Thank you God again and again.
The train ride back was not nearly as exciting except for the occasion where I offered the scary man sitting next to me candy so he wouldn’t rob me. He didn’t rob me. I was missing Alex and Cody by now and was ready to get home.
With all this adventure, it is good that I have The Pug where positivity and negativity (not talking about me and Alex) clash into a chaotic, yet harmonistic aurora borealis where I can lay my weary head.
It was good seeing you Thomas and I’m more than excited to Paige and Katherine soon!
Safe and sound,
Max
“I am learning discipline, expanding my memory, and punctuality”
- That is actually a self quote at dear ol Beckham’s birthday party.
However, it is almost impossible for me to wake up in the morning to go to class (especially after hitting the discotecha hard with zach until early morning… and that black vodka drink haha jk …. … …….. ), I constantly forget where I am in the city (but good thing Alex and lonely planet are BFFs), and well, I am becoming more punctual I think, although the remnants of antipunctuality (Africa) has deterred me a bit.
With all that said, Spain has been a wonderful place to refine my skills so that hopefully afterward, when I return to the states, Beckham will finally accept me. For example, this weekend…
Flying by the seat of my pants (and Chelsea’s) I decide to go to Valencia which is another beach city on the coast of eastern Spain. Beautiful. I leave the two points which complete my equilateral triangle (Cody and Alex) at home and embark with John Alford and some other CEA friends (the ones that will be co-chairs next year) to the “City of Bats” … by myself. Yeah, so I wasn´t able to buy the ticket in advance so I had to wing it and go to the station the morning of and try to find a ticket (John and the others had purchased theirs weeks ago and were well on their way by now). But I do get a ticket! I think… upon reaching the station, my Spanish senses tingle and I approach a random ticket counter. In fluent español, I say “I want to go to Valencia por favor” (yup, just like that) and get handed a ticket. Cool, thanks God. On the ticket the only things displayed are the date, how much I paid, and that I’m going from Barcelona to Valencia. I turn around to see an array of platforms of which I have no idea which one to go to and of course I’m oblivious to the departure time. Oh. Well, after many charades I find myself on platform 9 waiting for a 9:30 train. At around 9:45 the monitors flash with an attention disclaimer. After staring at it for about 15 minutes, I decipher that there has been an accident and that my train will be delayed. So after waiting in uncertainty, sweating with nervousness, I make friends with a group of musician that speak English and who are also going to Valencia!
Thank you God number two.
They then tell me to hop onto a train with them which was on a different platform, which I do, of course. Don´t worry guys, I asked them if they were sure first. After boarding the train my senses tingle again and I am positive I’m on the wrong train. As I get up to get off the train, the doors close and the train starts to move. So, I’m panicking again – more sweat stains. In my dire situation, I pray that it works out somehow and right before I begin to black out, my phone rings and its John.
“hey, did you just get on my train?”
John’s train apparently was delayed as well and as they passed through Barcelona Sants (my train station) a large group of people boarded, including a group of musicians and a totally oblivious kid with a neon hat.
Thank you God number three.
Anyways, I would totally recommend Valencia. Its history is incredible which is matched with its great cuisine and attractions. The hostels there are nice too and people are friendly. I ended up running into my musician friends again whom I thanked over and over again.
Thank you God again and again.
The train ride back was not nearly as exciting except for the occasion where I offered the scary man sitting next to me candy so he wouldn’t rob me. He didn’t rob me. I was missing Alex and Cody by now and was ready to get home.
With all this adventure, it is good that I have The Pug where positivity and negativity (not talking about me and Alex) clash into a chaotic, yet harmonistic aurora borealis where I can lay my weary head.
It was good seeing you Thomas and I’m more than excited to Paige and Katherine soon!
Safe and sound,
Max
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Welcome to the Timbers!
8:39 in Tyler, TX.
I hope everyone is doing well! Today is my day half of my day off and TP and Bren came in town to hang out with me so we are a hotel. Last night there was a domestic violence call below us and at 2:30. Well, at least that is what private investigator Brenda Pierson could tell from looking out the window.
My life at Pine Cove is amazing. When I first was driving in I could have run my car off the road wanting to know why I came back to the dreaded place. But, the Lord being as good as He always is taught me otherwise. We had a camper this week from Cairo, Egypt and he was the bomb. He came up to me on Friday night and said, "Hey Usda, did you know I got baptised in April?" Of course I had no idea so he followed it up by saying," Well, I just wanted you to know that and that I love you." Really? a 9th grade boy just said that to a guy he hadn't known for a week. That is just one of the cool stories from this past week. Aaron came and visited this weekend and it was awesome to see him before he leaves for London on Thursday.
On the other side of things, I had a dad question my intelligence because of my camp name, then he found out that I went to Texas A&M and said, "That explains everything." It was awesome, we should all be offended as a part of the Aggie family.
But seriously, I am praying for all of you guys as you are either starting or rounding up your adventures. I found this passage the other day during a quiet time and it has become my prayer for The Tallahassee, but I think it could be applied to our friends as well. Romans 15:1-7...if you have a Bible, check it out. But, if not here you go:
15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
I know, it's legit.
I love you guys and can't wait to see all of you in August. Please be safe.
Matty
P.S. Katherine thank you so much for the brownies, for everyone else.... you fail.
I hope everyone is doing well! Today is my day half of my day off and TP and Bren came in town to hang out with me so we are a hotel. Last night there was a domestic violence call below us and at 2:30. Well, at least that is what private investigator Brenda Pierson could tell from looking out the window.
My life at Pine Cove is amazing. When I first was driving in I could have run my car off the road wanting to know why I came back to the dreaded place. But, the Lord being as good as He always is taught me otherwise. We had a camper this week from Cairo, Egypt and he was the bomb. He came up to me on Friday night and said, "Hey Usda, did you know I got baptised in April?" Of course I had no idea so he followed it up by saying," Well, I just wanted you to know that and that I love you." Really? a 9th grade boy just said that to a guy he hadn't known for a week. That is just one of the cool stories from this past week. Aaron came and visited this weekend and it was awesome to see him before he leaves for London on Thursday.
On the other side of things, I had a dad question my intelligence because of my camp name, then he found out that I went to Texas A&M and said, "That explains everything." It was awesome, we should all be offended as a part of the Aggie family.
But seriously, I am praying for all of you guys as you are either starting or rounding up your adventures. I found this passage the other day during a quiet time and it has become my prayer for The Tallahassee, but I think it could be applied to our friends as well. Romans 15:1-7...if you have a Bible, check it out. But, if not here you go:
15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
I know, it's legit.
I love you guys and can't wait to see all of you in August. Please be safe.
Matty
P.S. Katherine thank you so much for the brownies, for everyone else.... you fail.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Va bene.
Team! I'm late in the game... it's been a while since I've blogged. I'm sad to say that up until.. oh, about 30 seconds ago...I've been lurking.
It's 9:30 pm in Firenze, Italia- the 3th most visited city in Italy. I wake up every morning to tourists franticly navigating through the crowds. Mostly Asians. I'm always on the look out for Max, but I haven't found him yet.
Florence is wonderful, and I'm proud to say that I no longer consider myself a tourista. I wear skinny jeans, dark clothing, and I carry Italian leather. I can communicate with the locals (kind of), and my daily intake of cappuccino = sweet eugenes x 10.
It's been a long three weeks! So much has happened... let's see. I'll hit the highlights. 1. My favorite city to visit so far has been Venice. It's SO cool. It's just a bunch of tiny little islands linked together by bridges. Crazy. How does that work? You'd think they'd eventually start to drift apart..at least a little.. but they don't. The picture above is from the top of Venice. 2. Horseback riding through Tuscany was wonderful. I used to think that the most beautiful place in the world was the Texas Hill Country, but I'm afraid the bar has been raised. 3. Listening to music on the Ponte Vecchio every night (the Ponte Vecchio is the famous old bridge in Italy with all the shops) 4. Consuming my weight in gelato 5. Flirting with a worker at St. Peter's basilica so we were able to climb the top of the dome for free (GREAT view of Rome!) 6. Waking up with a new mosquito bite on my face- every day.
Right now, I'm watching Harry Potter 4, blogging (ovbi), and booking my flight to Barce. I miss all of ya'll terribly! Over these past few weeks.. I've cried, thought, and prayed.. a lot- and here are my thoughts... I didn't realize how lucky I was to have you guys as friends, until we were separated. I took for granted the encouragement, love, and sincerity that I received from all of you on a daily basis. Being here and meeting new people has made me realize how unique our friendships are- and I miss our community. It was really hard adjusting at first, but I eventually came to realize that God has His own agenda for my stay here in Italy- and I truly believe that for all of our summers. So, with that being said- amongst the classes, traveling, sunbathing, and sleeping- don't forget about the greater purpose that we, as believers, are called to.
More updates to come- Peace out.
T-minus 2 days
3:12 pm Dallas, Texas
I just finished vacationing with my family in a beautiful, timeless utopia, known as Manchester-by-the-Sea in Massachusetts, staying in a quaint cottage that overlooks "Singing Beach." Quaint meaning two bedrooms, one bathroom, and 5 steps needed to get to any part of the house, which now the entire Smiley family has squeezed ourselves into- somehow I ended up on the couch. Needless to say, good quality family time has commenced upon arrival.
This vacation is always the joy of my family's summer. For one, we get to see our beloved Aunt and Uncle, but also it is a great time to catch up on pleasure reading. Clay decided to be quite the Crusader this summer, taking on books by Christian heavyweights like C.S. Lewis and John Piper. However, about 70 pages into John Piper's "Desiring God," he found a small business card, titled "Metroplex Atheists." It goes on to say, "If you are looking for us, we are looking for you," followed by a number and address in Dallas. (Warning: This book was bought at a Borders in Dallas- the atheists have infiltrated our ranks and are planting business cards in the Spiritual section worldwide!). We debated calling the number and setting up their leader with a one-on-one with the Jude, but after some thought, we decided against it. Instead, Clay has abandoned "Desiring God," and is now using the hedonist/SKETCH card as a bookmark in his John Grisham. hmmm....
Well, with that, I am signing off. This most likely will be my last post from stateside.
Paige
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sketch
For everyones viewing pleasure (particularly those who like to use the word "sketch" [particularly Piage]), here is a picture of an actual car I saw while in Barcelona.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Ethpanya
7:37 PM, Bonn
First, if you are planning to save big money by using one of those bargain airlines that they have over here, don't forget to account for the extra fees of trains and buses to get to their obscure airports. It took a train, a bus, a plane, and another bus to get me to Barcelona, but it was definitely worth it.
Best things about Barcelona:
1. Remembering just minutes after arrival that Spanish people are white
2. Seeing friends for the first time in three weeks.
3. Exploring the city for 6 hours and almost getting lost while the aforementioned friends learned things like "photography" and "sports"
4. Lots of Forn
5. Saving 15 Euro total for bringing my own water everywhere
6. Watching dogs pee in the street because Barcelona doesn't have any grass
7. Following Alex the Navigator through obscure alleys to surprisingly fine dining
8. Dancing in club "Opium" with 500 other locals, including that bald 40 year old guy that was with us for half an hour
9. Getting naked on a nude beach to change from my boxers to my swimsuit and getting gawked at because apparently "nude" beaches are really just "topless" beaches
9.2. Staying up til 3 every night with Cody to catch the NBA finals, even though they only came on once
9.3. Noticing that every thousandth man I see has long black hair, a white button down shirt, and is posed casually in a doorway and I can't help but wonder if he is a sword fighter
9.5. Spending the last night in a Muslim bar eating pitas, hummus, weird tea, and excellent hookah, then running into some Germans in the street and talking to them
10. Walking through Barcelona at 4:30 am to catch my bus to the airport and being impressed that I saw only 6 people on my half hour trek
Even though it's pretty dirty and over-populated, Barcelona is a fantastic city. I'm pretty sure I've only tapped it's potential. But bottom line, it was good to see friends.
See you all soon,
Thomas, aka Tomas, aka Tomath (Spanish people have lisps)
First, if you are planning to save big money by using one of those bargain airlines that they have over here, don't forget to account for the extra fees of trains and buses to get to their obscure airports. It took a train, a bus, a plane, and another bus to get me to Barcelona, but it was definitely worth it.
Best things about Barcelona:
1. Remembering just minutes after arrival that Spanish people are white
2. Seeing friends for the first time in three weeks.
3. Exploring the city for 6 hours and almost getting lost while the aforementioned friends learned things like "photography" and "sports"
4. Lots of Forn
5. Saving 15 Euro total for bringing my own water everywhere
6. Watching dogs pee in the street because Barcelona doesn't have any grass
7. Following Alex the Navigator through obscure alleys to surprisingly fine dining
8. Dancing in club "Opium" with 500 other locals, including that bald 40 year old guy that was with us for half an hour
9. Getting naked on a nude beach to change from my boxers to my swimsuit and getting gawked at because apparently "nude" beaches are really just "topless" beaches
9.2. Staying up til 3 every night with Cody to catch the NBA finals, even though they only came on once
9.3. Noticing that every thousandth man I see has long black hair, a white button down shirt, and is posed casually in a doorway and I can't help but wonder if he is a sword fighter
9.5. Spending the last night in a Muslim bar eating pitas, hummus, weird tea, and excellent hookah, then running into some Germans in the street and talking to them
10. Walking through Barcelona at 4:30 am to catch my bus to the airport and being impressed that I saw only 6 people on my half hour trek
Even though it's pretty dirty and over-populated, Barcelona is a fantastic city. I'm pretty sure I've only tapped it's potential. But bottom line, it was good to see friends.
See you all soon,
Thomas, aka Tomas, aka Tomath (Spanish people have lisps)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Spanish are friendly-ish
kind of...
14:43 Barcelona, SP
First- a photo of Alex being fruity...
Greetings from Catalunya. I deeply apologize for my lack of bloggings recently. I know that so many of you dine on my words for the inspiration and energy to make it through your days. The first things you would notice about me if this were a video blog, is:
1) my lack of wearing street clothing 2) bed hair 3) the shades of my apartment being tightly drawn.
At this point I will provide another list to help illustrate to you why it is almost three in the afternoon and I'm just getting out of bed. Possible contributing factors could be:
1) pregaming (pregaming is dangerous and irresponsible, it should only be done around trained professionals, like Max) 2) Spanish clubs are awesome 3) Among other drinks- three I coined "The Elena" after the Bartender that was making them for me- I don't know what was in them.
The sun comes up early here, and Max and I can tell you about the exact time. 06:15.
In other news, life here really is rough, it's stressful, we get no sleep, there's no good cooking or wine here, no one speaks Texan, and we're forced to hang out with our friends just about 24/7. Hate it.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I wish I were in Dixie, Hooray
9:44 PM the Mount Ida, Arkansas
Hey guys I don't have any awesome pictures, or anything cool, really. There is a little guy from Honduras that I talk to in spanish sometimes, but thats about it. I have been taking out the trash for 6 days now and it gets better every day. Overview of my typical day
6:45 AM: wake up and drive food around camp
7:30AM: eat as much fiber as possible at breakfast so as to avoid death by constipation
8:00 AM: get in a crappy chevy pickup and pick up trash with a guy named Will Poly from Auburn
11:45 AM: go to bible study, scheduled for noon
12:03 PM: leave bible study to drive more food around
1:30 PM: eat lunch
1:43 PM: eat dinner
1:45 PM: wish I was having "rest period like everyone else"
1:50 PM: resume picking up trash
2:29 PM: dump coke/skittles/root beer/powerade/little kid saliva/spiders/chili cheese sauce/napkin/daiper/sock/jelly/honey all over my legs after a trash can containing the listed items breaks while I carry it
2:30PM: laugh and be like "what the hell am I doing here, I should be in New Guinea"
3:30PM: finish trash run
3:31 PM: play NBA JAM on our 8 foot basket
5:00PM: set up some stuff including but not limited to Large inflatable bungee runs and velcro walls, haybails, little signs, tables, etc
7:02 PM: see a kid chaffing really bad because he has worn his swimsuit for 4 days straight
7:46 PM: watch Joe kill a poisonous snake with a log
9:00 PM: take down all the stuff we put up 4 hours earlier
11:00 PM: realize how hungry I am because dinner is 13 minutes after lunch here
11:21 PM: screw around with friends
12:12 PM: set my alarm
12:25 PM: Remember why I am here
12:26 PM: ZZZZZZZZ
That's it. In conclusion, I have 2 odd connections that I have found
1) I met some girl that facebook stalked Rob Watson when we were in high school
2) I met one of Weezy's friends from high school, and yes everyone likes him as much as we like master wayne, and yes he is just as weird
All is well in Dixieland
the city of light
4:31pm- paris, france
bonjour
things in paris are wonderful. i mostly just hang out in front of the eiffel tower, drink wine and a plethora of other beverages all while enjoying exquisite cheeses. that is really all i have to say. life is good. come to paris, we will have fun. much love.
andrew
12:54 AM- wonderful College Station
Despite the fact that the French and Spanish weather is currently in the 60's, I thoroughly enjoyed today's heat index of 105 with 86% humidity.
Despite the fact that my friends currently have a glass of wine with every meal, I am proud to be in a country where i would be arrested for holding alcohol by fat incompetent police officers
And Despite the fact that most of you "went out" last night, I love the fact that my parents are still enforcing my high school one o'clock curfew.......
Really I've been thinking and I've decided I am going to stay here for the rest of the summer
k
Despite the fact that the French and Spanish weather is currently in the 60's, I thoroughly enjoyed today's heat index of 105 with 86% humidity.
Despite the fact that my friends currently have a glass of wine with every meal, I am proud to be in a country where i would be arrested for holding alcohol by fat incompetent police officers
And Despite the fact that most of you "went out" last night, I love the fact that my parents are still enforcing my high school one o'clock curfew.......
Really I've been thinking and I've decided I am going to stay here for the rest of the summer
k
Friday, June 6, 2008
It's 2:00 p.m. in Branson, MO
Greetings world travelers! I hope this post finds you all well and having tons of grand adventures! As for me, I am spending a 24 hr period away from kamp (camp with a K is how we do it at Kanakuk) in the lamest town in the world, Branson. In case you were wondering Branson gets about 7 million tourists a year, why i have no idea, but you can imagine what that makes traffic like when there is only one main road that has two lanes. Also I am currently writing from Panera Bread and am literlly cornered by old people (they run this town). But that is ok because I have been able to check the blog, read about what ya'll are doing, and live my life through you guys. And I got to talk to Thomas and Cody in Barcelona and Kelly in Spain with Skype, yay!
Anyway, I am about to finish my first week of kamp. I have been residing in Teepee 4 with 11 ten year olds and my co-counselor Maggie. With the exception of a minor catamaran mishap where I got myself and 5 kampers blown half way across Tablerock Lake, all is well. The theme for my kamp this summer is Gladiators which is so fun because I get to see about 100 boys from the ages of 7 to 12 dress up like little killing machines and hit each other with their fake swords once a week for the next six weeks (if you have never witnessed something of this nature, it is very amusing). And my girls get to be princesses which is also quite fun. I am excited about being here for the next 5 weeks and will hopefully have a few more stories to tell. I love you all and cannot wait to be reunited back in C-Stat!!!!
Katie "I HATE Branson" McGrath
P.S. Write me letters!!! (please)
Katie McGrath
364 K-Seven Drive
Lampe, MO 65681
Greetings world travelers! I hope this post finds you all well and having tons of grand adventures! As for me, I am spending a 24 hr period away from kamp (camp with a K is how we do it at Kanakuk) in the lamest town in the world, Branson. In case you were wondering Branson gets about 7 million tourists a year, why i have no idea, but you can imagine what that makes traffic like when there is only one main road that has two lanes. Also I am currently writing from Panera Bread and am literlly cornered by old people (they run this town). But that is ok because I have been able to check the blog, read about what ya'll are doing, and live my life through you guys. And I got to talk to Thomas and Cody in Barcelona and Kelly in Spain with Skype, yay!
Anyway, I am about to finish my first week of kamp. I have been residing in Teepee 4 with 11 ten year olds and my co-counselor Maggie. With the exception of a minor catamaran mishap where I got myself and 5 kampers blown half way across Tablerock Lake, all is well. The theme for my kamp this summer is Gladiators which is so fun because I get to see about 100 boys from the ages of 7 to 12 dress up like little killing machines and hit each other with their fake swords once a week for the next six weeks (if you have never witnessed something of this nature, it is very amusing). And my girls get to be princesses which is also quite fun. I am excited about being here for the next 5 weeks and will hopefully have a few more stories to tell. I love you all and cannot wait to be reunited back in C-Stat!!!!
Katie "I HATE Branson" McGrath
P.S. Write me letters!!! (please)
Katie McGrath
364 K-Seven Drive
Lampe, MO 65681
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
It's 11:11 A.M. in Barcelona, Spain.Ever seen a postcard with the words "Wish you were here!!!" scrawled across the back? Excessively enthusiastic punctuation aside, I've never been much of a fan of the time-tested platitude. You see, when I take vacations, I'm trying to get away from you. It doesn't work so well if you're here with me. Vacations should be a time of reflection, meditation, and of course, room service.
So, for two days, that was Spain. I lounged in a luxe hotel room: the photograph to the left is the view from my balcony, and, yes, if you look closely, you'll see a green icon at the street's end denoting the entrance to the American Embassy, which is, in some circles, known as Starbucks. I ventured out into Barcelona, slowly but surely, enjoyed some truly fantastic carbohydrates, and began blazing a trail for my comrades-in-coffee, Max & Cody. I was enjoying my own company, thanks very much.
Then, everything changed. I had the pleasure of taking a thirty dollar - I'm sorry, thirty euro taxi to another hotel where our CEA orientation was to be held. Within minutes, Max & Cody interrupted my enjoyment of Sydney Bristow's butt-kicking (she lives in my laptop) to rub their freshly unshowered bodies all over me. This was truly sick/nasty, but probably not in the way it sounded in the sentence above. I was, if begrudgingly, truly glad to see them.
For the next few days we enjoyed, but, at least together, the process of having our personal freedoms slowly stripped from us by the friendly CEA staff. They herded us around like cattle, or worse, like the junior high set at church camp for hours upon end, mostly warning us not to get too plastered. So far, we have succeeded in their eyes by avoiding the two evils: death-by-tequila, and speaking-too-much-English.
After our fantastically fun orientation, we were escorted to our tres chic apartment, which we call, simply, The Pug. We have given the apartamento this designation due to the similarities it shares with the canine of the same name, that is, it's so completely unfortunate-looking that we can't help but love it. Pictures to come. The shower spews water all over the floor, and, by proxy, all over the apartment; we're at least twenty minutes from our classes by way of metro, and the charming air shaft, upon which our windows open, smells like a sweaty cigarette with an untreated foot fungus. But, The Pug, well, we loves him.
Wish you were here.
-A.
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