Saturday, February 23, 2013

Alanna's Birthday



Hey!
This Tuesday was Roxy aka Alanna's birthday! She and her other half turned the big 2-0! No longer a teenager. In celebration of the glorious birth of our dear friend we made not-so-perfect oreo cake (hey the instructions were in spanish) and wrote some funny cards to her. Magdalena and I went to the American Store “Taste of America” to get Alanna some special things to remind her of home. I got her pop-tarts and a box of macarconi and cheese, Magdalena bought her a vanilla coke and coffee mate. Leila gifted her with hummus and pita bread. These were not exactly conventional gifts, but Roxy isn't exactly a conventional girl. Her parents are still visiting until thursday, so they celebrated by taking her to Tierra Burritto Bar (which I gave up for lent). Alanna, Eileen, and Luke went to see Crystal Castles (an electro dance duo) Tuesday night as well. They are awesome live (I've seen them in Boston) but I have an ear-infection, so I thought I'd better skip it.
Adios,
Jenny 
To her alter-ego

Cards for Alanna
   

Friday, February 15, 2013

Well, It's Friday

Hey!
So not much has changed in 1D Espirítu Santo, EXCEPT Alanna's parents are here to visit for the week! Her family has rented an apartment up the street from ours so we shall be making lots of treks up there this week. Her family arrived this morning and surprised Alanna aka Roxy by finding their way to our apartment all by themselves. Pretty impressive for being so new to Madrid, and all done by metro. Her little sister kindly left us with two american magazines, which Magdalena and myself are currently devouring. It's nice to have a reference to what is going on in the United States right now, at least in a materialistic sense it is comforting to know what's trendy and popular.
Also our apartment has decided to participate in lent, despite our histories of being non-practicing Catholics. I have given up for the next 40ish days Tierra, burrito bar. I went too frequently, so I decided I should live without it for a while. Magdalena (Meaghan) has decided to give up meat, so now we can both have vegetarian meals together, yipee!! Leila has given up chocolate and Roxy...well, she has given up lent for lent.
Well, I have a pressing issue of Glamour to get back to.
Hasta luego,
Jen

Monday, February 11, 2013

Malasaña Living

Hey!
I'm not sure if I ever told you, but I moved! Yep, I live in Malasaña, my favorite neighborhood in Madrid. I love going for runs through my neighborhood characterized by vibrant colored buildings and obscene graffiti. I love finding new restaurants and vintage shops near my apartment. The other day my room mate Alanna and I were on our way to Día (the supermarket) when we noticed a burrito bar we had never seen on the street adjacent to the supermarket. I haven't gone to the burrito place yet, but maybe tonight for dinner I'll make a trip there and try it out. Also, I have new room mates: Meaghan, an English major like myself, Alanna, an undecided at the moment but possible drama major, and Leila who studies business.
Some of my room mates have developed alter-egos to describe their Spanish sides which only the bars in Malasaña seem to envoke. Meaghan has adopted the pseudonym Magdalena (de la noche) so frequently people often forget her real name. Alanna's spanish persona is Roxy aka Roxanne. The nicknames began as a joke but have evolved due to their usefulness when ordering Starbucks coffees and sushi and our American names don't translate smoothly in a restaurant setting. When ever I order food at Cervecería Cien Montaditos my receipt reads "YANAY" or "JANY" instead of "JENNY". I should really look into getting a Spanish nickname referral from either Roxy or Magdalena. It also makes introducing yourself to Spaniards much easier when they don't have to fumble over an American first name. You wouldn't think the name Jenny is so tricky, but I've been through hell being called "Johnny" or "Yanny" for the duration of a conversation. But at the same time, I am concerned I will pick a Spanish name that is too common and will further impede me from enjoying Spanish night-life and Spanish food, like Maria or Ana. Which will just result in confusion when I encounter other Marias and Anas (which is inevitable) standing waiting for my montaditos or coffee.
Quite the dilemma.
Well, I'm off to ponder my new identity.
Adios for now
Jenny