- School: On Monday I had my first exams in Art History and Geography. To all of you Americans reading this: Art History requires a lot of analysis of structures, materials, classifications, etc., and the class I am taking is the second year continuation of the class I did not (for obvious reasons) take last year. On a scale of 1 to 10, I came out with a 3. I refuse to feel bad about this. In Geography I had to take a 0 on the test (I feel a little bad, but it was definitely a good learning experience). Very little is given in the way of photocopies, and I probably should have realized when I went to take the physical Geography exam that I needed to bring my own blank maps (which are sold in una botiga en la Plaça Mayor). All in all, I´m working on my studies, but I´m still glad that I do not need spectacular marks this year. Wednsday was fiesta, meaning...
- BARCELONA!!!!!! October 12th (Columbus Day) is a National Spanish Holiday, since Columbus is such an important figure in Spanish history. The Catalonians don´t identify strongly with this day (at heart they aren´t Spanish), but any day given off by the Government is a day taken. On Wednsday I toured parts of Barcelona with my host family. The day began with a visit to La Sagrada Familia (an amazing basilica designed by Gaudí) and was followed with a visit to La Plaza del Reys. An explanation: Barcino (ancient day Barcelona) was a city established in the first century. Everytime major construction takes place in Barcelona, chances are more ruins will be dug up of the ancient establishments of this era. It blows my mind that underneath the bustling modern streets are the streets that began with the very foundation of the city (as well as other foundational remains). I then witnessed one of the most incredible human acts ever: the Casteller. I am beyond words to describe it, which is why I´ve posted a video at the bottom of the page. Later in the afternoon, after experiencing tapas for the first time and learning that I like sardines, my host family took me for a walk through the streets of the old part of Barcelona (the part that contains streets established in the later Roman epoca and the 600 year old cathedrals, churches, and basilicas whose architecture is astounding). There is so much more to see of that city: I´m really glad I´ll be staying here a little bit longer!
- Cursos de Catalá! I have now begun my Catalán classes in Vic´s central linguistic center. Since all of the classes were full, I´m in the medium level two class. This is a trial for about three weeks; if it´s too difficult I´ll move down to level one. As it is, I´m studying up on some of the basics. I may not be able to speak very much Catalá by the end of this exchange, but I refuse to live in Catalunya for a year and not even try to understand this fundamental part of the culture. An explanation of the doors this class has opened for me mentally is an entry I will save for another day. As it is, I have now found my favorite street in the city, as well as a couple of really nice study bars (one that everyone knows as L´India, and the other which has no name). I have also continued to encounter many nice people during my walks and activities, and there are times when that reknowned American smile just can´t stay off my face.
Sidenote: If you´re ever in Catalunya this time of year, be sure to eat the castanyedas (a type of nut that is coal roasted). They´re amazing! Also, a good cure for just about anything (adventure lust, the need to exercise, etc) is to go ahead and take a walk. It´s something I´d recommend, even if you don´t have problems. There is always, always, ALWAYS an adventure to be had.
This is a video example of a Casteller. I´m sure I´ll explain more about this tradition in a later post.
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