Toledo: A place to pause and reflect

Wow it's been a while since my last post.  Please embrace yourselves for a lengthy, eclectic post.  I encountered computer difficulties for the past week.  First, I could not figure out how to switch my computer from Spanish to English even with the help of many friends. Once I solved that problem, I could not log into my blog because I apparently created 4 different gmail accounts with different passwords when my computer was still in Spanish.  I was a little frustrated to say the least with technology, but then I looked out the window and saw the most intricately beautiful cathedral that was built in the year 1226 without any machines.

Where to begin....? Food is always a good starting point.  Since I take the bus everyday at least twice a day, I have a lot of downtime while waiting for my bus.  It does not help that 2inches away from my bus stop is the ever-famous Santo Tomé Marzapan shop.  Marzapan is a traditional spanish desert that I believe is made primarily of sugar and almond paste (although there are many tempting variations).  For the first few days, I indulged myself with Marzapan while waiting for my bus.  I justified my indulgence with pretty reasonable excuses.  First, I am in Spain! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I will never have the opportunity to study abroad again, Marzapan is a spanish delicacy, and the list goes on.  In all fairness, these are pretty reasonable excuses for my indulgence for the first few days.  However, I am now going on week number two in Spain and am in the process of transitioning from a tourist to a member of the community.  Tomorrow is a new day and I am going to attempt to resist Marzapan for a single day.  Wish me luck!

More on food.  I am a deep reflector.  Usually, this is a good characteristic to have, but too much of anything typically is a bad thing.  The good news about being a deep reflector is that I never get bored.  How can I be bored when there is so much wonder and beauty in the world?  The bad news is that I sometimes do not realize how great something is until after it has happened. It is a constant challenge to live in the moment and take in what each moment has to offer.  Enough for the deep stuff.....I don't really know where that came from.  My point that I was trying to get at is that at this famous bus stop, I have had a lot of reflection time.  While waiting for the bus, I reflect on all the small moments of the day that made the day special.  Lately, I find myself glancing around at  Spaniards also waiting for their bus and wonder how much we have in common.  Before studying abroad, I had the inaccurate expectation that everything and everyone would be drastically different than my own.  Although, there are obvious culture differences, it is humbling to know that we are all part of the same human family and we can always relate to each other.  My bus stop companions make me feel more at home, and they don't even know it :)

Great news! I only have class on Tuesdays and one class on Thursday morning from 8:40-9:55am.  My first Tuesday was a bit intense, but I can endure it if it means having all other days free to explore hidden treasures in Toledo.  One of my favorite parts about studying abroad thus far has been taking the time to walk around the city in search of new treasures.  Toledo is a small city, but I am able to find something new and exciting every time I go for a stroll.  Part of the reason may be that I tend to get lost every time I go on a stroll, and therefore end up on a different route than originally intended.  Getting lost is the fun part.  In fact, if you happen to travel to Toledo, Spain I hope that you will make it a point to get lost among the winding streets.  A few hidden treasures I have found include:

1.) an indoor pool that is not just any ordinary pool.  Actually, nothing is ordinary in Toledo.  This pool has a stunning view of rolling hills and old architecture.

2.) A cheap-ish restaurant that has a pizza with 5 cheeses!!!! I am a BIG cheesehead, so this was the highlight of my day.

3.) I'm also Italian so I was pretty happy when I found a restaurant that serves spinach noodles with 5 cheese sauce!! Spain knows how to make this girl happy!

4.) River Trail.  I stayed at college this summer as a summer RA, and my favorite relaxing activity was riding my bike on the Fox River Trail.  It never fails to put me in a peaceful mood.  I commented to someone that I really enjoyed riding my bike on the trail, and I was informed that Toledo also has a bike/walk trail along the Tajo River.  I haven't gone on the trail yet, but I've been told that the trail has great views of the mountains and hills.  If you feel really ambitious, you can climb these hills/ mountains.  I'm hoping to get a group of people together to do this this week.

5.) There are many lizards in Spain, and I am NOT usually a fan in the slightest bit.  Unfortunately, I am the type of girl who screams if a lady bug lands on my arm.  However, I am proud to say that I am becoming more open to this aspect of nature.  I am NOT, however, a fan of the bats that fly only one feet above my head at night!

I am going on week two, and I still do not feel culture shock.  My conclusion is that I really do enjoy spanish culture (for the most part).  I must be honest and reveal that there are a few things I do not care for.  I hope I do not come off as condescending or disrespectful since I truly appreciate the Spanish hospitality that I have received thus far.  First, there are many people who dress very immodestly.  They are such beautiful girls, but their way of dressing creates an awkward atmosphere.  It is possible that  I just notice this more because I am in a foreign country.  Actually, that is the only thing that I do not care for.  I am actually getting used to eating at ridiculously late times at night.  It is now 11pm in Spain, and I still haven't eaten dinner yet and I'm not too hungry yet.

Now for a few things I love about Spain.  First, the Spanish culture revolves around the family.  Therefore, taking care of one another has priority over everything else.  Take a stroll outside and you'll instantly notice that the Spanish culture places much importance on relationships.  They are very affectionate people.  I have yet to see an elderly couple that is not holding hands as they pass through the plaza.  I have also noticed that dads play a very active role in taking care of their children.  On the bus, people frequently stand next to the bus driver and catch up on the news and each other's lives.  The biggest adjustment for me has been getting used to the fact that I don't always have to be somewhere at a certain time.  Yes, I have commitments here.  The difference is that here I can eat lunch with a friend and not be constantly thinking about the next place I have to be.  I can cherish the moment for what it's worth.  This is not to say that I can't do this at SNC...it is a constant challenge throughout life's different stages.

Please prepare yourself for many random and non-related ideas.  I recently found out that I have the same host family as a friend who studied in Toledo last semester! Her experience was a little different since she lived in my host family's former house in the old part of Toledo.  My family was so kind though to give me a key to this house which is located about 2 minutes away from my school in case I need to rest between classes.  It is so charming...I will post pictures of this house.  Right now, they are using it as a space for families to rent if they vacation in Toledo.  After I post pictures of this house, I think you all might be one step closer to booking a flight to Toledo. :)

Second, there are many stray cats in Toledo and it always makes me sad.  Yesterday, I saw a stray dog that looked like my puppy Snuggles.  The dog jumped in the water fountain to get a drink.

I got a library card in Toledo! I know this isn't the most exciting news, but hey it's the little things that make the experience right?  The library is actually in the Alcázar which was Spain's former military fortress.  It is one of the largest buildings and has spectacular views of course.  I plan on renting some Spanish movies and music to accompany my homework this week.

We recently had our meeting about activities offered at the Fundación.  I love being involved, so of course I signed up for just about everything.  So far, I don't feel too busy.  My activities include:

1.) Intercambio: Language conversation partner.  We meet once or twice a week with a local Spaniard to practice Spanish and we help them learn English.  We had a formal dinner with all the intercambio candidates.  It was a bit akward.  Basically, all of the intercambio candidates were in the courtyard gathered together and waiting for us to come in and eat with them.  Meanwhile, all of the American students were gathered together in a separate room where we waited until our school coordinators gave us the ok to head to the courtyard and mingle with the Spaniards.  The goal of the dinner was for each American student to find an intercambio.  It felt like asking someone to prom.  I started chatting with the first girl I saw and we've been intercambios ever since.

2.) Cooking Lessons: I learned how to cook paella! Paella is a traditional spanish food made up of rice and usually A LOT of different types of seafood.  I happen to strongly dislike seafood, but it did look very tasty.  I am very glad that my host family is aware of my strong dislike for seafood, although it is a constant joke at every meal since mi abuela (grandmother) likes a side of sardines with almost everything she eats.  When I told my host dad Manolo that I would be learning to cook paella, he joked that the headline of the next day's newspaper would say that a local study abroad student died from trying seafood.  He made this joke since I told him that I wouldn't necessarily die if I tried seafood, but I might come close.

3.) Flamenco lessons this Tuesday and Wed. at 10pm! I can't wait...although I heard that it was a joke from a friend who studied abroad last semester.  Maybe it wasn't geared toward boys?

4.) Volunteering at Cáritas.  If my application is accepted, I will be volunteering with the Catholic Charity program Cáritas who aims to help those in need in the community by providing food and clothing.  I will keep you all posted.

Ahh this is a long post....sorry! I went to Madrid today to visit the Royal Palace and it was amazing.  I will post pictures of this and talk more on my adventures in Madrid at a later date :) I wasn't able to take pictures of the inside of the palace, so I guess you'll just have to come see it yourself...it's definitely worth it.

Isn't it nice when life comes around and gives you confirmation that you made the right decision? Ok, that was awkwardly worded, but my musical car rides with my padre put my mind at ease that I made the right decision in studying abroad in Toledo, Spain.  And I think that is special.  Even if I don't make it to all the European countries on my sightseeing list, this trip is definitely worth it.

Goodness, there is so much more to say but it is almost midnight here and I still haven't eaten dinner! Dinner is on my own today and I hear a bacon ham pizza in the fridge calling my name :)

Take care all and thank you for your support! I hope you are all enjoying the fall weather.  I am jealous...it's looking like 90s again this week.

-Alyssa

Me with my giant box of Cola-Cao which is a chocolate mix for milk. I LOVE it!

My perro Agua

Traditional Spanish plates.  What do you think mom?

Well maybe this dog isn't homeless after all.  I just noticed the collar in the picture.  Apparently, he just likes hopping in the fountain for a little drink.

Paella cooking lesson

The finished paella

Laura with her ice-cream from Naca-Nacas (one of our best finds)

Spinach noodles with many cheeses!

Today at the Royal Palace in Madrid.  The inside is just as incredible!

The Ham Museum Restaurant.  The school ordered us chicken :/