Were not in Brussels?

Last Friday night we headed out to Brussels via Ryan Air. This is a cheaper airline of Europe and if their ranking of best on time is accurate, I wouldn't want to fly anything else. They were an hour late leaving (and returning on Sunday). When we finally arrived around 10 p.m. we went to take a taxi (for seven folks) and found out that we weren't in Brussels!! We were about an hour outside to the south. It was funny and we learned a valuable lesson: research, research, research.

Of course, that lesson continued throughout the weekend. Five students had decided to try and stay in one room (sneaking three in) while another student and I had booked a room at a recommended hotel about 20 minutes away. Initially, the distance seemed like a hassle and a bad decision. Ultimately, however, it was a good one. When we dropped them at their hotel several thought maybe they should just stay in the taxi. It was a very tiny place in the midst of remodeling -- about a 1 star version. Apparently they got caught and ultimately locked out of the hotel with their items inside with the other two. While we were walking around getting something to eat, trying to find them, and discovering the city center they ended up getting a taxi, coming to our hotel, and booking a separate room. The next morning they were able to get their things and, in fact, the first two also moved to our hotel. We, on the other hand had this ultra modern hotel (4 star version) for the same price. Our lesson, though, was that they inadvertently gave us breakfast which cost a lot of euros more. (25 each per day). We complained and got it cut in half but it was still very expensive. Our breakfast then cost as much as our dinner had on Sat. night. Always lessons. There is never something for nothing!

Brussels was an interesting and fun place to visit! The night we arrived was the night that Algeria had tied England in their World Cup game. Honking horns, crowds cheering, and random kisses were everywhere until way in the morning hours. We walked to the city centre on Saturday morning, finding many interesting things to observe and partake in. Several of the girls bought cuban cigars for later in the day and, of course, we had to buy Belgium waffles and chocolates for here and to send home. There are many different companies but we focused on Whitaker chocolates since they had won best chocolates of Belgium this year. I also found a great tapestry store that I could have spent hours in (but didn't) -- many recreations of famous paintings and, of course, lots of Van Gogh images. We ended up not going into the lace stores as the buildings were what I really wanted to see.

As we wondered it would move from sunny, to rain, to overcast, to cold, to sunny again. Unfortunately, I didn't bring anything warm so I ultimately decided I needed to get a jacket or else I would freeze that evening. Great thinking -- I had planned mostly for mediterranean weather apparently. That occurred as we walked

The buildings in Belgium are gorgeous -- the square magnificent and the cathedral impressive. Mostly I liked the outside of the structures because together they make a glorious vision. Unfortunately we got back to the musical instruments museum too late and missed being able to go inside. It is such a cosmopolitan town -- clearly the capital of Europe, as they say. The little statue was a hoot -- he was dressed in a black cape and couldn't be seen much but I got a very cute picture of it anyway. It was raining during that time so we kept moving in and out of the area to avoid the downpours. They are right when they say you never know when it is going to rain in Belgium. Dee reminded me that when we went back in 1969 it was raining as well. It was our last day in Europe so I didn't even remember going. Linny recently sent a Facebook message asking me if I had seen the special alter. That again, shows how research would truly help. I didn't even know what she was talking about -- so, maybe I saw it and didn't know what it was.

After returning to the Hotel Bloom -- my goodness my feet hurt -- we took a siesta to prepare for the evening adventures. We took off off to find a restaurant that we had seen earlier in the day -- 13 euros for a 3 course meal. I had a smoked salmon with bread first course, a bowl of mussels for second course, and a flambe for dessert. Then we headed out for the main Delirium Bar. This is a Belgium beer and Kylene, one of the students with us who works at Bully's, was certain that we needed to go there. She was right. A big, two story building filled with people. Although it was hard to move around the two cigar smoking girls lead us to the floor where you could smoke, we grabbed beers (one in a boot since that was a tradition that one of the girls wanted to experience), and found seats. People watching was very fun. We ended up talking with a group of British guys who were in Brussels for their friend's bachelor party. They were all dressed up in religious outfits (a monk, Jesus, the Pope, a priest, etc.) and getting pretty "happy." Finally a few of us (4 of the 7) decided to head back to the Hotel while 3 went off to another bar. Again walk, walk, walk. I wonder if I will have feet after this trip to Europe.

Luckily we had our original taxi cab driver meet us at 7:30 a.m. and we headed back "out" of Brussels to take Ryan Air back to Alicante. The Spanish folks are so polite -- they clap when the pilot lands safely. Well, we're back.

keeping up

Wow, it is so hard to find the time to keep up on everything. Today I was thinking that the travel to and from places adds time that we typically use for phone calls, emails, etc. in the states. Getting to and back from the University takes about 30 minutes each way and walking to the beach or to meet folks is a good 20-25 minute walk. It is amazing that for the first time in my life I am actually on time almost all of the time.

The third week in Alicante had some rain and cooler times. I spent more time in the apartment preparing for class, reading for my European Women class, and making travel arrangements for some of the coming adventures. Have finalized going to Granada with Cody and Setare when they arrive, a 10 day trip to Morocco to see Cheryl Woehr, about 5 days in Istanbul to see Marat and that area, sometime in Barcelona and ??

The instructor in the European Women class is fantastico! Her name is Pilar and she is quite engaging and energetic. We are teasing her about creating a following called "Pilarism." She took us to the MARQ museum on Thursday and we were able to see the archeological findings from the area of Alicante. It is a beautiful museum (won best museum in Europe in 2005) and fit very well with our studies in her class. The films we are watching help put everything in context and have really made being here interesting and fun. It has also created a bonding for this smaller group. We ended the "tour" with a special drink at a great outdoor cafe called Soho. Great trees and shade. I had a blanco y negro which is like an slushy iced coffee with a plop of vanilla ice cream on top. Very refreshing. The same waiter is always there whenever we have been there. They also have great Sangria!

We watched soccer some more this week as well. Wednesday Espana won and the crowds were ecstatic! It is wonderful to be here during soccer. There were guys running up and down in front of us between the three outdoor bars so we did the wave and screamed. I have a small flag but many of our students are wearing shirts, scarfs, etc. We are becoming Spaniards!! Hercules, the local team, also won their second game so now they will be going up a division to play with the big teams -- Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, etc. The city folks were cheering in the squares until 2 a.m.

On Thursday we finished our snorkeling adventure to the island of La Trabaca. There were 12 girls screaming everytime we went over the waves, a Russian and a Spaniard captain laughing at us, only a couple of sick chicas (they had celebrated the twins, Jasmine and Jacqualine's 21st birthday till 5 a.m. the night before), and a great cave to explore. It was very cold as we returned around 11.

Due to the extra partying Wed. night many students didn't show up for class on Thursday. They are all given a single miss so almost everyone in my class has taken it. Having more general studies students makes the class a bit different then when I'm teaching folks who plan on being counselors. There are a few, but others are just interested in the topic and didn't want to take another language class. The summertime students are a bit less focused on learning, however, it is interesting to note the variety of students -- from Clemson to Chico to U of Maryland to UNLV to upstate Michigan to Point Loma in So. Cal to Cornell, to N. Dakota. While many are working towards spanish minors, most are planning to go on to grad school.

Well, Brussels is next so I'll do that in a separate post.

Week 2 in Alicante

Alicante remains a delightful spot to sun, celebrate, and educate. The days for sandy beaches and opportunities to watch soccer are increasing. Now that the World Cup has begun we all meet often to watch the next game. USA's tie with England was a fun night of 15 women screaming and jumping (some of the students played soccer as young children and in high school so most truly understand the game) and I'll be watching the upcoming 1st game for Spain on Wednesday. We also went to the local team (Hercules) game last night and cheered almost as loud as the 50,000 regular fans. If they win their next game they move up to the next division next year so everyone is very excited. It's is really fun to be somewhere where folks are very passionate about their futbol.

In terms of work, I got to visit the Gender Studies program at the university here (they are doing some great things, I think) yesterday, and today we went to visit a treatment program. Half of the students in my class came due to upcoming midterms but the ones who did were very pleased. The psychologist who showed us around had spent part of the day translating his slide show into English for us. Very nice man. As one of the students said "I could tell him my life story easily." Cocaine and alcohol are the big drugs of abuse and about 20% in the program were women so it was interesting to see how they are similar and how they are different. I've given a midterm and we are now half way through the course. Amazing how time flies.

Spain's political situation is quite unique from other European countries. Like England and Belgium they have a monarchy but they are more socialist in nature than many of the other more "right leaning" republics. They have an advanced law regarding violence (since 2004), same gender marriages were legalized several years ago and show up as a group on their statistics, and healthcare is free to everyone. Divorce is very acceptable for all but the more religious and they certainly love a good parade. There were two this weekend! A traditional 3 1/2 hour long one on Saturday night and a frivolous, fun one with folks dressed in characters on Sunday night. All of this begins the great festival that is commencing.

Our field trip this Saturday was to a town (El Elche) south of Alicante with thousands of palm trees and then to the only inhabited island that has no paved roads or motorized vehicles. Of course, I don't know where they would go since the island was very small. Supposedly there is great snorkeling nearby (something we are planning to do on Thursday evening).

Saturday night back in Alicante included a big outdoor dance party at the end of the pier and many people out in the streets celebrating life. Awww, what an interesting time to be here.

Well, I need to start making plans for after the session so will close now. Hoping to post some pictures if I can figure out how. If you can't wait, check my Facebook page for some already posted there.

Alicante

Okay -- I've been really busy so haven't blogged in a long time. In fact, I haven't even talked about my time here in Alicante.

We arrived by bus to the city centre (Plaza Luceros) and were each met by our landlord or home stay family. Pablo and his wife met me and took me to my new 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment two blocks up the hill. It is modest but well situated and has a nice breeze coming through the long corridor. It's on the 6th floor so I feel quite safe. He is comfortable with Cody and Setare coming for a week so everything is in order. There is a supermercada about a block away but the beach is a good 25 minute walk. Pablo is from Argentina and quite gracious. He even got me a DVD player since I don't understand anything on the t.v., have no radio, and the speakers on my computer are going out.

There is a beautiful promenade down by the beach called the Esplanada with small tiles all configured on the walkway. I will post a picture later. All of the older folks come out at night, find a chair (that they keep nearby so no one takes it from them), and chat with friends. It is right across from the Marina and has palm trees to block the sun a bit. The weather has been delightful. Rain one evening, overcast a couple of days, but sunny and not too hot so far. I've heard that June is very pleasant but July can be very muggy.

The Valor chocolate company has a small restaurant where you get a "cup of liquid chocolate" and churros for 4.9 euros. Quite tasty but I think I need to not do this again till Cody comes to visit. It was dinner one evening. Otherwise, I went out for tapas last Friday night with some of the students. They were delicious!!! Finally got to go to the big market for food and what a sight! Two floors of sellers in a building about as big as a cathedral or the size of Lawlor Event Center. Otherwise, I've eaten in and tried not to keep the custom of eating so late. Not really possible so far though because it is nice to walk around after going to the beach. Usually get back to the apartment around 9 -- just in time to email, do some prep for classes, and eat.

Speaking of prep, my class is Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30-12:45. I ended up with 8 students in my class (as big as any other class available) so I'm pleased. It is difficult, however, because 2 classes have already been cancelled due to a state worker strike and a big festival planned in a few weeks. I keep trying to cut things out of the class so that we have fun but they get the most important learnings. I'm arranging a visit to a treatment center here so that could be eye opening for the students.

I am taking a class everyday from 1-2:40 on European Women in History. She is quite passionate and I'm learning a ton. We are watching many movies and then putting them in context to the readings. So far have watched one with Sean Connery about the Spanish Inquisition, another about St. Teresa (she started the service oriented branch of the Carmelite nuns and was a powerful, determined woman who became a saint), and Elizabeth I with Cate Blanchett. The Teresa one was very interesting and incredibly erotic.

The University is quite large and pleasant. The students are in finals so there is activity but not as much as normal, Luis says. I get there by train and return by bus (schedules work better that way), since it is about 3 1/2 miles from the city centre. The staff at USAC are great and very helpful. They organized our first field trip last weekend to a small town called Altea and the coast of Calpe just up the coast a small way from Alicante. Great small towns. I've posted one picture on Facebook from there but will put in more later. We have another field trip to an island this Saturday and then a local soccer game Sunday evening.

Since it is time to get ready for class, I will write a new entry about this weekend's adventures soon and try to get some pictures downloaded.

Madrid

After an uneventful flight, I landed in Madrid last Tuesday. After finding the hotel, getting settled in, and walking around like a zombie due to jet lag, I finally met up with the group from Spain that would be doing the Madrid tour. As the only non Spanish speaking, non college-age student, I could see that things might be different from 1969. The "kids" were excited to meet new folks and I was becoming quieter. Hum mm, how easy it is to lose your confidence!

The Madrid tour, however, was very educational and interesting. The staff of USAC were friendly and the tour staff engaging. Here's a bit about what we got to see: The first day started with a walk to the Prado Museum. We saw paintings by El Greco, Velazquez, and Le Goya. The history was already beginning to be revealed. The information was short but thorough and even when I went back to see more later, I realized the best had been seen and heard about in the hour or so tour. We walked on to the Palace and went through many of the rooms. Of course, not reading signs well I was admonished for attempting to take pictures of forbidden views. Naive rebellion never seems far from my experiences. That day ended for me walking around looking for food. I was a bit hesitant of the empty streets (ahhh., it was just too early in the evening to know what were safe areas and what weren't. I finally found a wonderful restaurant that had some of the best calamari I have ever tasted. Along with salad and wine, who could ask for more.

The second day included a bus ride to Segovia, a mountain city to the northwest of Madrid. On the way we passed a monument to Cervantes and his most well known book, Man of La Mancha. When we arrived in Segovia we were greeted with an amazing site. A 2000 year old Roman built aqueduct graces the town and was actually working until only 100 years ago. To think that there was that awareness of engineering so long ago still amazes me. No wonder engineers remain a much coveted profession. We also toured a special castle -- the one Disneyland's "Magic Castle" was modeled after. It was the vacation home for the Catholic Kings, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. What a beautiful building and it's very helpful to have visuals to explain the way it was in olden times. I actually think my history of Spain will be enhanced from this trip. After lunch with a couple of the students from Maryland, we did an independent tour of a cathedral. This reminded me of the many cathedrals I visited with Dee and Melody. Dee's Catholicism and our need to remain safe as young women made such visits mandatory those many years ago. Now, the world's interest seems to be waning, however, the buildings are still quite amazing.

Upon our return to Madrid we "ran" through the Museum Sophia with our guide, Isabella. Her knowledge is great and it was fun to see Picasso, Miro, and Dali. I thought of Margo's book about Father Hunger since one of Picasso's signature blue period pieces was on display. His large painting that was brought back to this, his home country, after Franco was no longer the Dictator of Spain was magnificent. But, in truth, I was most intrigued by the symbolism of Dali's work. Clearly our tour guide knew her art. It certainly made me appreciate the more recent masterpieces. Since I'm a lover of impressionism this was a new enjoyment. After returning to the hotel that night, I decided to walk around the shopping area. What an amazing street -- people were everywhere. With the excitement of adventure, I took myself to a small showing of Carmen, The Flamingo Ballet. For only 20 euro, I was very pleased with the quality and professionalism of the dancers. Finally, at 11 p.m. I sat in a square, drinking a beer and watching people meander by on a Friday night.

The following day we went to Toledo -- the oldest city just southwest of Madrid. With many cobblestone streets, this original capital of Spain was the place where three religions existed peacefully for 400 years prior to the 1400s--Jewish, Christian, and Muslims. Since this was where El Greco lived there were many representations of his in the cathedral there. It was miraculous and the town was readying for a great celebration. What a beautiful representation! I also was invited to have lunch with the faculty, tour guides, and bus drivers. It was nice to share this time with all of them -- even though I was not able to follow their discussion of eating escargot that well. After we returned to the hotel, I rested my weary feet and then headed out to see the botanical gardens (there was a special Japanese arrangement show going on) and the turtle bond in the train station. I think I did myself in because my feet were not particularly comfortable with walking much more that evening.

The next morning we left for Alicante -- a story to be continued in my next post. Soon I will catch up and keep this going more reqularly.

the first week

Well this is my story -- the adventures of a "middle aged" woman revisiting a land she flirted with as a young "ingenue." The times are different and the reactions (mine and everyone else's) seem somewhat muted in comparison to my memories of the first visit to Europe.

Then, everyone was interested in what several young women could possibly want with such an adventure. It was not the typical situation for midwestern college girls in 1969. The adventuresome women from the East Coast were heading off to Woodstock and the rest of America was interested in sending men to the moon. We, on the other hand, decided to see what the world looked like and what people from different cultures and countries actually felt, said, did, and wanted. Not a bad research project for someone pursuing a psychology or sociology major. At that time I was unfamiliar with plane travel or independent movement. The good news was that I had studied French some in high school and college and the first four days would be spent in Paris. Not a bad way to start off a new adventure.

Now, the plan is a bit different. Instead of working as chambermaids, waitresses, and hat check girls, I am teaching a course on women and addiction to college students studying abroad. Also, I'm in a country where I have never been able to get the language to roll off my tongue. I continue to want to say "bonjour" rather than "hola" and I'm quite alone rather than with a peer. With all of this difference, however, I begin....