CARNAVAL

So you'd think that once I got my computer back I would maybe post a little more. Yeah, hasn't happened. But here I am.

I always heard that doing something like studying abroad would be an awesome experience and teach me life lessons and help me learn about myself blah blah blah. Well, I'm not sure I can put my finger on exactly what I've learned so far, but I know I've learned something. I think I've learned how to be more "chill," I guess. Not so uptight about the little things. Yeah, the idea of everything going smoothly this trip died in the Madrid airport six weeks ago. Since then I've had a mountain of obstacles to overcome. Some days I wished I could just go home, or pull the covers over my head and shut out everything else, or both. But I didn't, and I'm still here! I guess I've just learned that life goes on, and my "serious" problems aren't all that serious in the whole scheme of things--I'm sure my parents will be happy to hear that from me. Life goes on, and I keep on keepin' on.

Speaking of keepin' on, this weekend was absolutely ridiculous. Carnaval is the Spanish version of Mardi Gras, and while I've never been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, I would venture to say this ranks right up there. The whole idea is like Fat Tuesday, party and get all your sinnin' done before Lent, right? The big party was Saturday night, but there's been events and parades since last Wednesday and they run until tomorrow. The entire city shut down Saturday night to party. Streets closed off, stages put up, music blaring, and everyone in costumes. Not just the little kids, seriously. EVERYONE. It's a huge deal for everyone, regardless of age. Grandparents out partying at 3am is sweet. I'm pretty sure I was the first person in the entire city to call it a night at 4am, because the music was still going strong and the streets were packed on my way home.

I found a wig and made a "hippie" costume out of it? Who knows. Whenever anyone asked me what I was I replied, "Whatever you want me to be!" Worked out pretty well. Take a look for yourself. Oh, and the shenanigans going on in the background...don't worry, Mom, I wasn't part of annnnnnything like that ;)

Other than that, things are going well. Sorry I'm not more exciting. I haven't done any travelling yet but I'm anxious to get out of Alicante for a little bit. Lisbon in two weeks, then the travelling begins! I'm still in the process of planning my big European extravaganza hopefully including Barcelona, south of France, Milan, then Switzerland, and Lyon. Looking into a EuroRail pass.

And I just don't take pictures. I'm sure this is a lot more boring without some visuals, but I just don't take them. I hate carrying around a camera and always digging it out and turning it on and whatever. I'd rather (selfishly) just enjoy the experience in my mind. Plus, with God's gift to college students (Facebook), I can steal other peoples photos! Maybe I'll post some friends' stuff onhere next time. As soon as I get filthy rich, I'm hiring a photographer (Denny?) to follow me around 24/7 and chronicle my life.

Also, I've found that my English skills are going down the toilet. I have trouble spelling words now and, as I'm sure you've noticed, my writing skills leave much to be desired. I keep telling my brain that just because I speak Spanish like a 5 year-old doesn't mean I have to speak English like one, but I'm not sure it hears me. Yikes. Good thing I ducked out of J-school before I left, right?

Welcome Back, Mr. Mac!

I haven't been on here for a week, but a lot has been going on lately. Most importantly, this is the first post from my BRAND NEW COMPUTER!! It's pretty sweet, I must say, and while I certainly wouldn't have wanted my computer to get stolen just so I could get a new one...well, I'm seeing the bright side of things. I'm excited to be able to make my own travel reservations and look online for deals and plan more trips. Oh yeah, and do, uh, lots of homework?

Speaking of school, I actually do take classes over here, but barely. My Macroeconomics class is going pretty well. I like the professor a lot, can understand him, and grasp the material in general. The lab professor, who speaks at probably 674 words per minute, is alright. After the last class we talked and I told him, "I understand all the material, I just don't understand you." He told me I could come into his office for help anytime, but I just need help with Spanish, not economics. Meh.

Also, I was informed last week that the psychology class I was taking is not available to me. Oh, great. Instead of worrying and struggling with this, I decided to laugh it off and enroll in an online class through Mizzou. Maybe I'm learning to let loose and embrace the Mediterranean way of life...I'm already taking a Spanish class and an econ class in Spanish, in addition to living with a Spanish-speaking family. I think I can afford myself a class in English. I'm actually looking forward to it because, I didn't know it was possible, but my schedule is even more free now!

I joined a soccer team at the university consisting of four Americans, three Italians, two Austrians, and a guy from Finland. We've only played one game (we tied an all-Spanish team, 3-3) but it was a ton of fun. We have another game this week, so I'm looking forward to it. I've also been playing my fair share of beach soccer. It's not that warm (60 degrees) but when you're moving around in the sand the sun feels great. It's nice to work up a good sweat every afternoon.

Actually, I just got back from my first soccer game here! I saw the second division team here in Alicante, "Hercules," courtesy of free tickets from a friend's host dad. He seemed to know everyone who worked at the stadium and he snuck us through the concession stand to the good seats. Plus, he's friends with the team president. I had a blast and he said I may be invited in the future as well. It's interesting here because the best three teams from the second division at the end of the season are promoted to "La Liga," against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, while the worst three teams from the first division are relegated. It's the equivalent of having the Royals playing in AAA this season; it's hard to imagine in the U.S. but it's the way things work here. I kind of like it.

Finally, even without a computer, I was able to make travel plans to Lisbon, Portugal and London. My friends found cheap tickets, called me up, and asked me if I wanted to go. "Uh, sure!" I said, and the tickets were purchased that night. I would never do anything like that without planning beforehand back at home, but hey, this is all about trying new things, right? I'll be in both for about 4 days, which isn't a problem because I have four day weekends every week :) I'm super stoked to start travelling, and my next targets are Italy, Morocco, and Barcelona.

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff, but I'll fill in the blanks later. After all, I can hop on the internet anytime now! And oh yeah...MIZ!!

Quick Post

So I've had it up to here (HERE!) with these Spanish keyboards. They are awful. Not only do they have all kinds of extra crap, but they switch around the normal symbols.

Speaking of computers...my new one is somewhere in between Memphis and Spain at this moment. Ah! I can't wait! Seriously. For better or for worse, my life is a little jumbled and unorganized without a computer of my own. There's no use pretending that I'm not dependent on the internet. I am. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, though, just a fact.

Also, I got a kick out of my host dad explaining to me the wonders of Google Earth. They don't have a computer, so I'm sure it seems pretty futuristic to them.

I finished my intensive, month-long Spanish class yesterday by showing the final who was boss (that would be me). Now, it's on to normal university classes and another Spanish class, but none of this 8am, three hour long stuff. In fact, I only have class Monday Tuesday and Wednesday. It should be ridiculous.

I think my Spanish is improving, but I have so far to go. I need to step it up so I'll be able to show off my skills to my visitors when they come in March and April!!

It's warmer in Missouri now than it is here. Something is seriously wrong with that. Seriously.

I'm a little sad that I'm missing all the excitement surrounding my sports teams at home, but at least I get to watch Barcelona games every week here. Fair trade-off, I guess, but man, I wish I could be there for MU-KU Monday.

I need to plan my next trip. Once I get a computer it should be a little easier to do. I have so many places I want to go but don't know where to start. Maybe London. Or Lisbon. Or Barcelona. Or...

Please Send Ranch Dressing

...and french onion dip, for that matter. Seriously, i found some awesome, cheap, American-style greasy potato chips, but I have nothing to complement them! They don't "dip" here, and they don't even have sour cream in the supermarket. It's killing me. Along with the lack of barbeque sauce, ranch dressing, and Louisiana Hot Sauce. Their condiments just aren't up to par. Very disappointing.

You know you're life has changed when the Super Bowl comes and goes without ever watching it, hearing anyone talk about it, see an advertisements for it...nothing. Some of the guys in my group stayed up and watched it, but it started at 1am, lasted til 5, and we had class at 8 the "next morning." No thanks. It is weird though, for the first time in probably 15 years, not watching the Super Bowl.

I bought this super cheap phone card (€6) and it has like, 600 minutes on it, somehow. But it mysteriously subtracts minutes here and there...after talking on the phone for 10 minutes, I discovered that I had really "used" 20...no bueno. No idea what to do, other than just keep using it and hope for the best.

Just got out of my first econ lab...it was a disaster. I like my lecture professor, but we have another guy for lab. He talks in Spanish faster than I talk in English. You can imagine my difficulty. Also, he called on me to give an answer. Three times. Because of my lack of language proficiency and familiarness with the campus, I have not been able to obtain or read the textbook. The first time he called on me, I'm pretty sure he wanted an answer to the question, so I just said "no se" (I don't know). He said something else and I told him I didn't have the book yet. Five minutes later he calls on me again, I have no idea why, probably just a continuation of my bad luck. I tell hime again that I don't know because I STILL don't have the book. Then he went on to ask me my name and where I was from at super warp speed in Spanish and I stumbled through the answers as the class looked on and laughed inside. The third time I answered a question about Bill Gates. Dude, at my school, we're not such D-Bags to foreigners that we call them out in the middle of the whole class. I'm thinking about switching sections.

Life is a lot more difficult without a computer. Especially when living in Spain.