Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Last Week In 1D :'(

The semester is coming to an end. Tomorrow is the farewell dinner and the end of my two years abroad. Well, that's all I'm going to say about that because it makes me sad to think I have to leave Madrid. The ladies and I just finished watching "Jackass" as we pack up our bags. It has been so liberating not having to do any school work or study for any finals anymore.

I did some 'just for fun' reading

Magdalena, doesn't she look relieved? 

Leila slept

Leila's suitcases all ready to go!

Alanna refused to be photographed at first, then reflecting said, "Come back when I'm asleep I won't care.."

Snuck one of the ladies chatting

Room sweet room with all its spenders

Wall sweet wall

Leila teased her hair for the first time: these are the results

Now rocking the Snooki bump
I think what I will miss most about Madrid, are the ladies. I'm happy to say these goofballs are some of my best friends. I'm glad I ended up in uno derecha (1D) at Espiritú Santo. I'm going to miss the small things. Meaghan's 4am tweets about mac & cheese or her impending assignment. Leila's down-for-any-and-all-weird-activities attitude (hence the bumpy hair photos from above). Alanna's willingness to get McDonald's at any hour. Or how when she comes through the door she sends a cacophony throughout the apartment created by her purse and textbooks hitting the floor. On a good day she bursts through the door and calls, "Hello Laaaadiieees!" Mostly, I will miss this little refuge from the city.
-Jenny

Friday, April 12, 2013

End of the Year Plans!

Since I took it easy over spring break by traveling in Spain, I decided at the end of the year I would travel to the places I desperately wanted to see. Looks like Leila, Alanna, Meaghan and myself will be traveling to London, Liverpool and Edinburgh! I have no idea when I will be back in Europe and it is so heart-breaking to think I won't be returning to Madrid in the Fall. Madrid was not what I expected, but I've fallen in love with all of its eccentricities. I've started walking to and from school instead of taking the metro so I can savor the moments I have left (as cheesy as it sounds).

Alanna and I have decided to start eating strictly vegan foods. We recently watched a documentary Forks Over Knives, (check it out on Netflix if you have it) and it inspired us to eat healthier. That's one of the bittersweet parts of living in Malasaña, we have a large variety of fast-food choices. I thought it would be really difficult the first few days of eating vegan, but it has helped me get more creative with vegetables. I went on the PETA website for some inspiration and they have some pretty easy and delicious looking meals. For example these scallion pancakes: http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/recipes/scallion-pancakes.aspx They seem really easy to make and I already have most of the ingredients in the kitchen.

Well, I think I may try and make some now.
Hasta luego,
Jenny

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Spring Break!

Hey!
I just got back from some much needed relajación in Bilbao and San Sebastián (the north of Spain). It was gorgeous! Meaghan's parents were still in Spain, so they went to Granada, Barcelona, and Valencia together. Leila, Alanna, and myself packed light and took a bus first to Bilbao where we visited the Guggenheim Museum, ate basque pintxos, and surprisingly ate Subway (twice). The Guggenheim was fascinating and at the moment has a war exhibition on the Spanish Civil War and World War two. It also has some really interesting contemporary artists from the 90's such as Jean Michel Basquiat from New York. I was surprised at the amount of American art as well as the amount of Picasso art they had.

 San Sebastian was my absolute favorite place (aside from Madrid) that I have visited. It felt so different from what I have known of Spain. The architecture was far more french-like than I expected. The weather was nice for a few days almost in the 60's on some days, however it rained heavily half the time. We spent most of our time sprawled out on the beach reading and eating picnics. We made friends with our hostel mates and played a few card games before exploring the night-life of San Sebastián (which was actually not much of a party scene). Our hostel was really nice, my favorite I've ever stayed in. It was set up so we stayed in a woman's house that was converted into a hostel, so María, the mother of the house was like a host-Mom.

Over all, it was a very mellow Spring Break. I was so happy I didn't have to rush around trying to catch flights. The buses were long, but we didn't mind because it meant we could sleep or read (both of which we didn't do a lot of in Madrid). I definitely recommend a visit to San Sebastián for anyone visiting or living in Spain!

Adios for now,
Jenny