For the long weekend at the beginning of December (called the "puente" which means "bridge"...don't ask), Nicole, Abigail and I took a bus to Lisbon, Portugal. We left Madrid a rainy Sunday morning and arrived in Lisbon around 6p. To keep this post short 'n sweet, I'll make a list of pros and cons of our trip. Also, check out the slideshow below!
Lisbon Pros:
1. Lots of waterfront property
2. Trolleys (since the city is hill after hill after hill)
3. Belem Tower, Jeronimo's Monastery and St. George's Castle
4. Neat waterfront park with Oceanarium and cable cars
5. Locals know more English than Spanish
6. Great transportation system in general: bus, trolleys, metro and train
7. Two awesome bridges that cross over from wherever Portugal to Lisbon. The Vasco de Gama bridge took at least five minutes to cross. At times, it felt like we were crossing the ocean itself!
8. Super Bock beer
9. Beautiful men everywhere (I thought that's how SPAIN would be. But no.)
10. Wonderful hostel-apartment thingy with the sweetest staff, full kitchen, and in a great part of town (http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Albergo-Odisseo-Old-Albergo-Olisipo/Lisbon/17935)
...and my friends by my side when the Lisbon Cons hit full-force.
Lisbon Cons:
1. Deluge the 1st night = ruined camera, iPod, cell phone, soaked money and crucial documents :(
2. Other than bacalao (cool!), the food reminded me a lot of Peru, which I'm obviously still sick of. Think french fries, white rice and red meat with little seasoning. None of which I eat on a regular basis, let alone all together on the same plate.
3. Rain the entire time = gray photos and blah mood
4. Not being able to meet up with Abby the 1st day for the Oceanarium, trolley and cable car ride
5. New boots, necessary for rain + soaked tennis shoes + cobble stone streets = footsore
6. No gifts/souvenirs to be found at the recommended street market since they sold the same cheap scarves, bags and earrings you can find in Spain
7. Realizing each time my hand shot down to my bag to grab my camera that it was broken
8. The loooong bus ride to and from with way too many stops and detours (sin iPod)
9. Santander, my Spanish bank, refusing to take my card in their Portugal banks
10. Too little time to give Lisbon a fair chance!
Dec 19, 2010
Dec 12, 2010
Long Weekend Part II: Sevilla
It's been a long time coming, but here are just a few of the pictures I took in Sevilla.
So far, this sunny city with its broad, tree-lined streets has been my favorite city in Spain. If the Ministry of Education let me pick my placement city next year (and not only the region), Sevilla would be it! The tapas was amazing, the flamenco was mesmerizing, the monuments were breathtaking, the pace was slow and the climate...perfect. While in Peru, I found myself loving the cities that reminded me of Charleston, SC -- sunny, relaxed cities, with bright-colored buildings with white trim, lots of churches and parks, and palm trees. The cities in Peru like this, for me, were Trujillo and my hometown, Arequipa. My Charleston in Spain (and it's way cooler, sorry SC)...is Sevilla. I can't wait for an excuse to go back!!
So far, this sunny city with its broad, tree-lined streets has been my favorite city in Spain. If the Ministry of Education let me pick my placement city next year (and not only the region), Sevilla would be it! The tapas was amazing, the flamenco was mesmerizing, the monuments were breathtaking, the pace was slow and the climate...perfect. While in Peru, I found myself loving the cities that reminded me of Charleston, SC -- sunny, relaxed cities, with bright-colored buildings with white trim, lots of churches and parks, and palm trees. The cities in Peru like this, for me, were Trujillo and my hometown, Arequipa. My Charleston in Spain (and it's way cooler, sorry SC)...is Sevilla. I can't wait for an excuse to go back!!
Dec 3, 2010
For Soulful Struts down Gran Via
It's scarf, hat and mittens weather. The sky is a perfect robin's egg blue. Snow whispered threats, but the wind blew it away, revealing the mountains long lost behind the skyscrapers and smog.
I'll go for a walk.
The concrete and walls of windows will blind me with pearly light. The cold will numb my nose, cramp my lungs, and sting my cheeks. There will be static -- in my hair, crackling in my sweater and coat, between my finger and the metal door handle. But I feel like walking with purpose to anywhere.
Nov 29, 2010
Happy Birthday, Mommy!
For you...your favorite Christmas movie (and probably mine, too) and because it is snowing here in Madrid on your special day:
I love you! See you in less than a month!
I love you! See you in less than a month!
Nov 24, 2010
Long Weekend Part I: Granada
It's been a month since I was there, and I could write pages about this city, so I'll let my pictures from our two days in Granada tell the tale instead...enjoy!
La Alhambra
Exploring the city
La Alhambra
Exploring the city
Nov 22, 2010
Field Trip!
Last Friday a week ago, I decided to make up (in advance) one of the two school days I will miss at the start of Christmas break. Conveniently, it was field trip day. :)
I went with the 3rd and 4th grade from my Wed./Thurs. school to a type of wildlife park near El Escorial, just outside of Madrid. I knew I would have a blast from the get-go since the trip was with my favorite kids (the 3rd grade) and because we would be seeing many animals native to Spain. I'm such a nerd.
On the bus ride, we watched Shrek 2. I don't know if I've seen the movie too many times or my Spanish is better than I thought (probably a little bit of both), but I understood 90% of the film! So, when Puss in Boots did somersaults through the air during his introduction, I was laughing just as hard as the children were.
When we arrived, I monitored the children during their mid-morning snack, then I left with the teachers for our own special coffee/breakfast break. I felt awful grown-y, sitting up in a log cabin lounge on the top floor, looking out over the park and discussing hiking options with the other teachers while sipping my cafe con leche. It was also good Spanish practice! Afterward, we set out on our own to see all the animals. I saw wild Iberian boars, different types of deer, falcons, un zorro (fox) and some shaggy ponies. My favorite part, though, had to be seeing Iberian wolves up close. As soon as the children left that enclosure, the wolves came right up to the fence, so I was able to get lots of great pictures!
For the last hour of our excursion, we rounded up the students and watched them make keepsakes of footprints stamped in blocks of putty. Of course, as soon as the children were finished, they all wanted to give me hugs and touch my face with their clay-colored hands. With a few nimble dodges and clever excuses, I managed to stay un-puttied. Later, on the quieter bus ride back to school, I realized that I was as exhausted as the kids when my head started to sink down toward little Pedro sitting beside me. I had had just as big of a day as they had.
I went with the 3rd and 4th grade from my Wed./Thurs. school to a type of wildlife park near El Escorial, just outside of Madrid. I knew I would have a blast from the get-go since the trip was with my favorite kids (the 3rd grade) and because we would be seeing many animals native to Spain. I'm such a nerd.
On the bus ride, we watched Shrek 2. I don't know if I've seen the movie too many times or my Spanish is better than I thought (probably a little bit of both), but I understood 90% of the film! So, when Puss in Boots did somersaults through the air during his introduction, I was laughing just as hard as the children were.
When we arrived, I monitored the children during their mid-morning snack, then I left with the teachers for our own special coffee/breakfast break. I felt awful grown-y, sitting up in a log cabin lounge on the top floor, looking out over the park and discussing hiking options with the other teachers while sipping my cafe con leche. It was also good Spanish practice! Afterward, we set out on our own to see all the animals. I saw wild Iberian boars, different types of deer, falcons, un zorro (fox) and some shaggy ponies. My favorite part, though, had to be seeing Iberian wolves up close. As soon as the children left that enclosure, the wolves came right up to the fence, so I was able to get lots of great pictures!
For the last hour of our excursion, we rounded up the students and watched them make keepsakes of footprints stamped in blocks of putty. Of course, as soon as the children were finished, they all wanted to give me hugs and touch my face with their clay-colored hands. With a few nimble dodges and clever excuses, I managed to stay un-puttied. Later, on the quieter bus ride back to school, I realized that I was as exhausted as the kids when my head started to sink down toward little Pedro sitting beside me. I had had just as big of a day as they had.
Nov 21, 2010
MTV's EMA 2010: Free Concert in Madrid
On Sunday, November 7th, Nicole and I ventured out of our cozy apartment and headed toward the Puerta de Alcala where a crowd was gathering for a free concert at 6. We worried that we would be chilly that evening, but as soon as we were sucked into the mob in front of the stage, we realized staying warm wouldn't be an issue. For about 2 hours, the herd of people around us shoved and shifted, making us wonder if we should just leave. When the music started, though, it was all worth it. (see below)
Nov 18, 2010
You'll See
"After the Storm" - Mumford & Sons
And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.
Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.
And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.
I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.
Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.
And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.
I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
Nov 16, 2010
Nov 14, 2010
Sunday Stroll to Retiro
One Sunday evening a few weeks back, Nicole and I decided to leave our apartment in Royal Madrid, stretch our legs and walk the 2 blocks to Gran Via and follow it to Retiro Park. We had seen the Puerta de Alcala at a glance but had never entered the park itself. It was late October, the sun was out, the leaves were changing, and so we knew the sights would be stunning. I'll let the pictures do the work...enjoy!
Nov 13, 2010
Part 2 of the Weekend: Murcia and Cartagena
After spending the 1st part of our weekend in Toledo, Nicole and I took Saturday night and Sunday morning to rest and repack for the 2nd part of our weekend: a trip to Murcia, where we would meet up with our friend, Caleb. Sunday afternoon, we went to the huge metro/bus station Mendez Alvaro to catch our 4:15 bus. We got to the platform at 4:15, waited around a few minutes, bags in hand, then realized -- our bus had already left. (Dang, Spain, why are you on time now?) So, we parked ourselves in the station cafeteria and waited for the next bus, the 7:15. I spent the hours reading my Spain travel guide book, researching the region and city of Murcia. I was pretty pumped for our trip by boarding time.
Later on the bus, as we left Madrid and crossed into the region of Castilla-La Mancha, it occurred to me this was the furthest I had been from the city. We were traveling 5 hours away from what we had just come to know. I smiled, plugged my headphones into my iPod, and looked out the window. In the growing dark, I could see gigantic windmills, red lights at their centers, glowing eerily across the plain like robot eyes. I thought, Don Quixote didn't challenge these windmills.
When we arrived at midnight, Caleb and some friends met us at the station and led us back to his apartment. Caleb, being the definition of a gentleman, gave us his room (where we quickly crashed), and he slept on the couch. We didn't wake up until almost noon Monday. The weather was supposed to be cool for the usually arid Murcia, with a chance of rain. We decided, therefore, to take a 45 minute bus ride to Cartagena and sight-see there, hoping to miss the bad weather. In Cartagena, we rambled through the sunny, date palm-lined streets, never forgetting to crane our necks and check out the magnificent skyline. We visited a few Roman ruins, including a theater, and then walked to a park along the battery. (I swore I would dunk a toe in the Mediterranean when I first saw it, but there was no where to do it! :( Reason #1 to visit again.) Later in the afternoon, we needed a snack, so we raided a local supermarket for fruit and wine, and returned to the park for a picnic. When the sun got low and the air turned cool, we walked back to the Cartagena bus station and caught a bus back to Murcia.
That night, we had a homemade, Spanish dinner with plenty of wine to go around, blanco or tinto. I got to know Caleb's roommates a little better (a girl from the U.S. and a girl from Portugal), so that was fun. Later, we decided to explore the club scene near the university, but nowhere really appealed to us.
I woke up the next morning to a warm, sunny day, but I felt off. Within minutes, I was covered in hives, and I realized it wasn't my lack of sleep but a severe allergic reaction to something that had me feeling this way (and I still have no idea what caused this!). Nicole, thank goodness, had some Zyrtec. Soon, the three of us were out the door and exploring Murcia city. While walking, I felt the medicine starting to kick in and the fresh air reviving my spirits. Then I hit a sudden low. My vision narrowed to a pinpoint, my ears started to ring, and I felt like someone was covering my head with a bag. I slumped onto some stairs until the feeling went away. My friends decided we should grab something to eat, hoping that would help me feel better. We walked a couple of more blocks to the city cathedral and found a restaurant with tables out on the cathedral plaza.
Honestly, I felt like a party-pooper, slowing the group down. It was our last day and our only day to see Murcia! While sipping my Coke, though, I began to cheer up as I talked with my friends and sat in the cathedral's grand shadow. My hives disappeared, and I started to feel more like myself. We ordered paella and chatted for over an hour, watching some children play in the square and some little birds flying from table to table, searching for stray crumbs.
When we finished our meal, Nicole and I only had an hour until our bus back to Madrid, so we meandered around the outside of the cathedral and then strolled to a river-side park before saying our goodbyes. I really enjoyed my time in Murcia, especially because I love any place that has plenty of sun, vegetation and a slower pace. Sometimes, the brightly-colored buildings and waterfront reminded me of my favorite southern city, Charleston. I was sad that I didn't get to spend more time in some places, like the inside of Murcia Cathedral, but hey, Reason #2 to visit again!
Later on the bus, as we left Madrid and crossed into the region of Castilla-La Mancha, it occurred to me this was the furthest I had been from the city. We were traveling 5 hours away from what we had just come to know. I smiled, plugged my headphones into my iPod, and looked out the window. In the growing dark, I could see gigantic windmills, red lights at their centers, glowing eerily across the plain like robot eyes. I thought, Don Quixote didn't challenge these windmills.
When we arrived at midnight, Caleb and some friends met us at the station and led us back to his apartment. Caleb, being the definition of a gentleman, gave us his room (where we quickly crashed), and he slept on the couch. We didn't wake up until almost noon Monday. The weather was supposed to be cool for the usually arid Murcia, with a chance of rain. We decided, therefore, to take a 45 minute bus ride to Cartagena and sight-see there, hoping to miss the bad weather. In Cartagena, we rambled through the sunny, date palm-lined streets, never forgetting to crane our necks and check out the magnificent skyline. We visited a few Roman ruins, including a theater, and then walked to a park along the battery. (I swore I would dunk a toe in the Mediterranean when I first saw it, but there was no where to do it! :( Reason #1 to visit again.) Later in the afternoon, we needed a snack, so we raided a local supermarket for fruit and wine, and returned to the park for a picnic. When the sun got low and the air turned cool, we walked back to the Cartagena bus station and caught a bus back to Murcia.
That night, we had a homemade, Spanish dinner with plenty of wine to go around, blanco or tinto. I got to know Caleb's roommates a little better (a girl from the U.S. and a girl from Portugal), so that was fun. Later, we decided to explore the club scene near the university, but nowhere really appealed to us.
I woke up the next morning to a warm, sunny day, but I felt off. Within minutes, I was covered in hives, and I realized it wasn't my lack of sleep but a severe allergic reaction to something that had me feeling this way (and I still have no idea what caused this!). Nicole, thank goodness, had some Zyrtec. Soon, the three of us were out the door and exploring Murcia city. While walking, I felt the medicine starting to kick in and the fresh air reviving my spirits. Then I hit a sudden low. My vision narrowed to a pinpoint, my ears started to ring, and I felt like someone was covering my head with a bag. I slumped onto some stairs until the feeling went away. My friends decided we should grab something to eat, hoping that would help me feel better. We walked a couple of more blocks to the city cathedral and found a restaurant with tables out on the cathedral plaza.
Honestly, I felt like a party-pooper, slowing the group down. It was our last day and our only day to see Murcia! While sipping my Coke, though, I began to cheer up as I talked with my friends and sat in the cathedral's grand shadow. My hives disappeared, and I started to feel more like myself. We ordered paella and chatted for over an hour, watching some children play in the square and some little birds flying from table to table, searching for stray crumbs.
When we finished our meal, Nicole and I only had an hour until our bus back to Madrid, so we meandered around the outside of the cathedral and then strolled to a river-side park before saying our goodbyes. I really enjoyed my time in Murcia, especially because I love any place that has plenty of sun, vegetation and a slower pace. Sometimes, the brightly-colored buildings and waterfront reminded me of my favorite southern city, Charleston. I was sad that I didn't get to spend more time in some places, like the inside of Murcia Cathedral, but hey, Reason #2 to visit again!
Nov 9, 2010
Toledo's Twists and Turns
Mid-Friday afternoon, October 8th, Nicole and I boarded a bus here in Madrid and took a 45-minute ride into the Castilla-La Mancha providence and to the Spanish city of 3 cultures: Toledo. Christian, Muslim and Jewish populations over the past 1,000 years have shaped this city into the historical gem that it is today.
Once we had hopped off the bus, Nicole and I decided to walk from the station to our hostel since it was a pleasant day and an hour until sunset. During our leisurely walk, following the river around the city and to the Alcantara Bridge, we took many pictures of the city glowing in the perfect lighting. After crossing the picturesque bridge, we found our hostel...an 11th century castle! We went inside, paid less than 15 euros for a 2-person private room/bath for the night, regrouped, then headed out to find dinner.
We got lost almost immediately. *Understand* Spain is already against big, clear road signs. Here in Madrid, you may find a decorative tile square sporting the name of the street along with the picture of a queen or saint, but in Toledo...you are lucky to find a sign at all. The people who constructed Toledo also didn't believe in a grid system. The narrow, cobblestone streets twist and turn like spaghetti noodles thrown onto a map. If this maze of alleys hadn't been so enchantingly European-looking, we would've gotten discouraged and headed back to the hostel, I'm sure. We were rewarded, eventually, with a restaurant near the Plaza de Zocodover that boasted a fairly-traditional and fair-priced Menu of the Day. I had some delicious gazpacho, baked chicken with a salad, a little pre-packaged ice cream cup, bread and olive oil, and a drink for less than 12 euros. Nicole opted for the paella over the gazpacho (see pictures).
After dinner, Nicole and I wandered through the streets again, peeping into bars here and there, seeing what looked good. At one point, we found a supposed "cider" bar (I was VERY excited), but the bartender informed me they hadn't served cider in over 5 years. Well, drat. Eventually, my partner and I ended up at a popular bar called "Picaro" and had some good conversation over mojitos and daiquiris. We also had a good laugh at being the only single people there. "Dear Spain, why must there be face-sucking couples everywhere we turn? Sincerely, Devon and Nicole." Our walk back to the hostel was gorgeous, especially when we crossed the bridge and looked back at the city against the nighttime sky.
We woke up Saturday morning to cold and drizzle. Rain jacket, umbrella and guidebook in hand, I headed out with Nicole to explore the city like a real tourist. We had a quick pastry for breakfast in the Plaza de Zocodover then visited the Museum of Santa Cruz, full of ancient tapestries and tile exhibits. Then we headed toward Toledo Cathedral...at least we thought we were. After about an hour, we finally found it (it's the tallest building in the city, how could we not find it?!) and spent a few hours inside. I split from Nicole and did a rewarding audio tour, which pointed out works by famous artists like Caravaggio and El Greco. I may or may not have squawked with joy. After several hours of complete bliss (I'm finding that I'm addicted to visiting cathedrals), we left and visited an old synagogue/museum. By this point, it was later in the afternoon, pouring and our feet were hurting, so we didn't linger. We also had a bus to catch back to Madrid. When we did, we were two exhausted, drenched but happy gals.
Once we had hopped off the bus, Nicole and I decided to walk from the station to our hostel since it was a pleasant day and an hour until sunset. During our leisurely walk, following the river around the city and to the Alcantara Bridge, we took many pictures of the city glowing in the perfect lighting. After crossing the picturesque bridge, we found our hostel...an 11th century castle! We went inside, paid less than 15 euros for a 2-person private room/bath for the night, regrouped, then headed out to find dinner.
We got lost almost immediately. *Understand* Spain is already against big, clear road signs. Here in Madrid, you may find a decorative tile square sporting the name of the street along with the picture of a queen or saint, but in Toledo...you are lucky to find a sign at all. The people who constructed Toledo also didn't believe in a grid system. The narrow, cobblestone streets twist and turn like spaghetti noodles thrown onto a map. If this maze of alleys hadn't been so enchantingly European-looking, we would've gotten discouraged and headed back to the hostel, I'm sure. We were rewarded, eventually, with a restaurant near the Plaza de Zocodover that boasted a fairly-traditional and fair-priced Menu of the Day. I had some delicious gazpacho, baked chicken with a salad, a little pre-packaged ice cream cup, bread and olive oil, and a drink for less than 12 euros. Nicole opted for the paella over the gazpacho (see pictures).
After dinner, Nicole and I wandered through the streets again, peeping into bars here and there, seeing what looked good. At one point, we found a supposed "cider" bar (I was VERY excited), but the bartender informed me they hadn't served cider in over 5 years. Well, drat. Eventually, my partner and I ended up at a popular bar called "Picaro" and had some good conversation over mojitos and daiquiris. We also had a good laugh at being the only single people there. "Dear Spain, why must there be face-sucking couples everywhere we turn? Sincerely, Devon and Nicole." Our walk back to the hostel was gorgeous, especially when we crossed the bridge and looked back at the city against the nighttime sky.
We woke up Saturday morning to cold and drizzle. Rain jacket, umbrella and guidebook in hand, I headed out with Nicole to explore the city like a real tourist. We had a quick pastry for breakfast in the Plaza de Zocodover then visited the Museum of Santa Cruz, full of ancient tapestries and tile exhibits. Then we headed toward Toledo Cathedral...at least we thought we were. After about an hour, we finally found it (it's the tallest building in the city, how could we not find it?!) and spent a few hours inside. I split from Nicole and did a rewarding audio tour, which pointed out works by famous artists like Caravaggio and El Greco. I may or may not have squawked with joy. After several hours of complete bliss (I'm finding that I'm addicted to visiting cathedrals), we left and visited an old synagogue/museum. By this point, it was later in the afternoon, pouring and our feet were hurting, so we didn't linger. We also had a bus to catch back to Madrid. When we did, we were two exhausted, drenched but happy gals.
Nov 5, 2010
New Laptop = New Posts!
Hal-le-lu-yer. I finally got my laptop today (after several hours of dealing with postal service red tape), so expect many catch-up posts soon! I promise stories about Toledo, Murica, Sevilla and Granada (and Madrid, of course). Also, once I figure out how to load my camera's software and can edit all of my pictures, I'll start posting a select few. For now, I'm off to bed after a loooong day!
Thanks for your patience, dear reader!
All my love,
Dev
Thanks for your patience, dear reader!
All my love,
Dev
Oct 18, 2010
Oct 15, 2010
A Design, An Alignment, A Cry
This is the 1st and title track of my favorite album by Mumford and Sons. The entire CD is great, but the last stanza is what I connect with the most. Call it my creed.
Sigh No More
Serve God love me and men
This is not the end
Live unbruised we are friends
And I'm sorry
I'm sorry
Sigh no more, no more
One foot in sea, one on shore
My heart was never pure
you know me
you know me
Man is a giddy thing (4x)
Love will not betray you,
dismay or enslave you,
It will set you free
Be more like the man
you were made to be.
There is a design,
An alignment, a cry,
Of my heart to see
The beauty of love
as it was made to be (x4)
Sigh No More
Serve God love me and men
This is not the end
Live unbruised we are friends
And I'm sorry
I'm sorry
Sigh no more, no more
One foot in sea, one on shore
My heart was never pure
you know me
you know me
Man is a giddy thing (4x)
Love will not betray you,
dismay or enslave you,
It will set you free
Be more like the man
you were made to be.
There is a design,
An alignment, a cry,
Of my heart to see
The beauty of love
as it was made to be (x4)
Reflections on Sunday
A had a dream last night about leading praise and worship at my home church in Benson, NC. This type of dream has become more common within the past year, occurring several times a month now. I'm always on stage, behind a keyboard and microphone, looking out over a crowd. Most of the faces are familiar -- my church family. Some of the people are singing. Some are raising their hands. Others sit silently, and others simply watch me.
At times, the dream is stressful. Maybe this time I don't have the song list, so I'm winging it. Sometimes I'm the only one in the band who doesn't know the song. Usually, though, the dream is peaceful because I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. I don't mean in front of people. I mean worshipping. So when I woke up this morning after leading praise and worship in my dream, and I realized it's Sunday morning, and I'm across the ocean from my church, I got a slight case of the blues. Then I remembered.
The church is everywhere. It's me, my family, and my new roommate and friend. And, funny enough, the church is the man who comes to collect my rent. When I first met Jose, a sixty-something year old man, I thought he must have a lot of patience to listen to four girls speak in English for thirty minutes, trying to figure out who pays what. Finally, I told him in Spanish, "Please take a seat." He smiled and told us not to worry. Little did I know how serious he was.
As soon as we had everything figured out, he made another comment like "Don't worry. Why should we worry when God's got things under control?" At this, one of my roommates left, not knowing how to respond. Roommate #2 soon did the same. I stayed put, though, because something in my spirit was saying, "Oooh, this is gonna be good! Get ready for what this man has to say!"
By this time, he was standing, as if to leave, but he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. He was beaming and so wound up, he looked like he was about to burst. And he soon did, after realizing that me and roommate #3 were Christians with open ears and hearts.
He talked, and he talked, and he talked. He gave his testimony, talked about his encounters with other people, shared his innermost thoughts, and praised and thanked God for His blessings and for us coming into his life. He talked so much that I could only respond with an occasional "Si!" or nod of my head. He talked for at least an hour, never slowing down or forgetting to say, "Thank you, Father! Oh, how He loves me!" A few, rare times, I would affirm his musings or give my point of view, but I mostly listened (and hard). Remember: He's speaking in Spanish this whole time. Amazingly, though, I understood 95% of what he said! This is truly miraculous since my Spanish is firmly intermediate. Love, I realized while watching his open, clear eyes and glowing face, is a universal language.
When he finally realized the time (way after midnight), he made for the door. A few times down the hall, he thought of a something, and he launched into another story of God's faithfulness. I didn't mind. When he was truly done, I hugged him close and kissed him on the cheek. I told him, in Spanish, "Thank you, my brother. You are beautiful vessel of God's love." I feel cheesy even when typing that, but you had to have been there. This man could have levitated, and I wouldn't have been surprised. He was that...light! He said he was glad to have met two young women who already understood God's love and grace. I told him how much I loved his visit because he reminded me of times with my family and our typical conversations. After the door closed behind him, I felt filled to the brim, like I do on a Sunday morning after going to church.
Newsboys - He Reigns
Cargado por wanzea. - Explorar otros videos musicales.
He Reigns
It’s the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain
It’s the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God’s holy fire
It’s every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this
And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they’ve just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness
Can’t drown out a single word
At times, the dream is stressful. Maybe this time I don't have the song list, so I'm winging it. Sometimes I'm the only one in the band who doesn't know the song. Usually, though, the dream is peaceful because I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. I don't mean in front of people. I mean worshipping. So when I woke up this morning after leading praise and worship in my dream, and I realized it's Sunday morning, and I'm across the ocean from my church, I got a slight case of the blues. Then I remembered.
The church is everywhere. It's me, my family, and my new roommate and friend. And, funny enough, the church is the man who comes to collect my rent. When I first met Jose, a sixty-something year old man, I thought he must have a lot of patience to listen to four girls speak in English for thirty minutes, trying to figure out who pays what. Finally, I told him in Spanish, "Please take a seat." He smiled and told us not to worry. Little did I know how serious he was.
As soon as we had everything figured out, he made another comment like "Don't worry. Why should we worry when God's got things under control?" At this, one of my roommates left, not knowing how to respond. Roommate #2 soon did the same. I stayed put, though, because something in my spirit was saying, "Oooh, this is gonna be good! Get ready for what this man has to say!"
By this time, he was standing, as if to leave, but he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. He was beaming and so wound up, he looked like he was about to burst. And he soon did, after realizing that me and roommate #3 were Christians with open ears and hearts.
He talked, and he talked, and he talked. He gave his testimony, talked about his encounters with other people, shared his innermost thoughts, and praised and thanked God for His blessings and for us coming into his life. He talked so much that I could only respond with an occasional "Si!" or nod of my head. He talked for at least an hour, never slowing down or forgetting to say, "Thank you, Father! Oh, how He loves me!" A few, rare times, I would affirm his musings or give my point of view, but I mostly listened (and hard). Remember: He's speaking in Spanish this whole time. Amazingly, though, I understood 95% of what he said! This is truly miraculous since my Spanish is firmly intermediate. Love, I realized while watching his open, clear eyes and glowing face, is a universal language.
When he finally realized the time (way after midnight), he made for the door. A few times down the hall, he thought of a something, and he launched into another story of God's faithfulness. I didn't mind. When he was truly done, I hugged him close and kissed him on the cheek. I told him, in Spanish, "Thank you, my brother. You are beautiful vessel of God's love." I feel cheesy even when typing that, but you had to have been there. This man could have levitated, and I wouldn't have been surprised. He was that...light! He said he was glad to have met two young women who already understood God's love and grace. I told him how much I loved his visit because he reminded me of times with my family and our typical conversations. After the door closed behind him, I felt filled to the brim, like I do on a Sunday morning after going to church.
Newsboys - He Reigns
Cargado por wanzea. - Explorar otros videos musicales.
He Reigns
It’s the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain
It’s the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God’s holy fire
It’s every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this
And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they’ve just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness
Can’t drown out a single word
Oct 9, 2010
"Machu Picchu"
Most of the people I talked to this week met the following criteria:
- Spoke little English
- Had wide, brown, smiling eyes
- Owned a rolling book bag (decorated with Hello Kitty, the Jonas Brothers or Spiderman)
- Came up to about my waist
I'm obviously describing the students at my two assigned primary schools, General Izquierdo and Ramon Gomez de la Serna. These children truly brighten my day. When I walk into school, the students who recognize me say, "Hello, Debon," and those who don't simply wave. When I walk down the halls, groups of children hug me until some grumpy lunch lady in a hairnet scolds them and shoos them into the cafeteria. In the classroom, they listen in complete silence as I read aloud and laugh when I swear to them that "I don't understand ANY Spanish." Yeah, right. They're smarter than that.
I realize I'm in a unique position because I'm getting teaching experience without the trials of a normal teacher. I don't have to scream for silence, give students The Face (duh duh duuuh) or send a child to the headmaster's office. I don't grade papers in the break room and take the unfinished ones home. I'm not "the teacher". I'm that cool chick from the United States.
When I talk with a student, I am supposed to go through a simple routine to get the student accustomed to conversational English. It usually goes something like this:
"Hello! My name is Devon. What is your name?"
(shyly) "My name is Paula/Javier."
(nodding) "Very good Paula/Javier. Nice to meet you!"
"Machu Picchu, too."
The first time this happened, I almost lost it. Machu Picchu? That place I visited in the fall? Adorable. Another trick they've been taught is to always say, "I'm doing fine, thank you, and you?" They often say this phrase, though, after I've already told them how I'm doing. Their responses can be awkward, too. ("How are you today, Javier?" Stony-faced: "Fantastic." Yeah, okay, Javier.) Hopefully, they'll have enough conversations with me during the next year that they'll fall into a more natural conversational pattern.
So far, I'm really enjoying my time at school. Some of my first memories are learning the alphabet and the joy of putting the scribbles together to form words with meaning. S-T-O-P. Stop. That chain of connections which makes communication possible is a magical thing to me, just as much today as it was when I was in preschool. Therefore, I absolutely love the moment when a first grader realizes the label that says "table" is the word for the object. What's really cool is seeing them have this realization a second time, in English. Sometimes they get into a session of pointing and asking, "What is this in English? And this?" The excitement I feel in passing this knowledge on is making me wonder if I'm going to end up teaching...
Sometimes, though, I get so excited, the kids look at me funny. I usually meet with pairs at the back of the classroom to go over recent vocabulary. While talking, I gesticulate, make funny faces and change the tone of my voice to help them learn. They usually understand me better this way, but that doesn't stop them from laughing at me. On Thursday, two third grader boys kept giggling while we were discussing the different types of vertebrates. They finally said, together, "You're a crazy woman." I grinned and thanked them. Of course, they laughed even harder. When I left the classroom at the end of the session, they waved extra hard from their desks and shouted, "Viviparous!" At least I did something right.
I wish I had pictures to post of me with the kids, but since I'm not using my own laptop, that will have to wait. Now, I'm off to look up train tickets for Murcia. After a extra-rough first week at school (sigh), I have a five-day weekend. I visited Toledo yesterday, and now I'm off again! I'll write about these adventures soon!
Oct 3, 2010
Spain, in List Form
Since I'm sick, thinking about 1 billion things at once, and borrowing my friend's laptop (muchas gracias!), I will make this post short 'n sweet. Perhaps a list or two will help me organize my initial thoughts on Spain and will give you, dear reader, a glimpse of my life in Madrid so far. I promise more details later! As for now...
10 Cosas Buenas
1. A new group of friends, most of them fellow teaching assistants
2. A dependable, clean, and fairly simple Metro system
3. An apartment with sunshine-yellow walls, space to unroll my yoga mat and a room with a view
4. Walks around the barrio
5. Cereal on the kitchen shelf and fresh fruit and veggies from the corner mart in the fridge
6. TV in Spanish
7. A hot mug of green tea with mint for when I start to cough
8. Skyping with my family
9. Menus del dia (The Day's Special) that includes 2 courses, drink (wine, beer, soda) and dessert/coffee for just a few euros
10. Autumn's 1st cool, rainy day
10 Cosas Malas
1. Having the worst cold of your life for a week...and that week including your 1st day of school and moving in
2. A landlord who gets confused and expects too much money the day you move in
3. Teeny washer machines
4. Graffiti everywhere
5. No customer service, especially in restaurants
6. TV only in Spanish when all you want is some easy-to-understand, trashy, American shows
7. Couples on every corner, park bench and against every wall, doing things that make you disgusted/curious
8. Very little green to be seen
9. The dollar against the euro
10. A rainy day
Do not be fooled. There are certainly more positives than negatives in my life right now for I have been truly blessed. I could have gone on and on with my "good" list, and list things like how I always have wifi in my apartment, how I have too many clothes with me and how my family can afford to buy me a new laptop and ship it to me the moment my old one dies. I could count my blessings all day and into the night! I'm so very thankful for this opportunity. My friends and I frequently jump and squeal while walking around Madrid and shout, "We're in SPAIN!" A new friend of mine, Matt, recently spent all day grinning from ear-to-ear and announcing, "I'm so excited!" That's how I feel each and everyday, cold or no cold. Rain or shine.
Sep 14, 2010
Dusty Paths and Turning Leaves
This time next week, as Savannah so kindly reminded me while squeezing the life out of me, I will be spending my 1st night in Spain.
That seems impossible since, today, I marveled at the quality of the late afternoon sunlight in dust clouds left behind my car as I traveled the long path home. Today, I shopped in American stores, talked to my server in English, and went 70 miles per hour on I-40. I smiled at autumn's alchemy practice on the leaves next to forever green pines. In the den tonight, my family sat around me and fussed about our crappy hometown high school. I was comfortably in NC.
There's more out there, I know. I want to see and experience it, but then thoughts like "you don't speak the language" or "you're a farm girl" creep into my skull. Music, though, drowns out this static. I find myself more and more sneaking into the study to play some Beethoven piece to clear out the clutter in my head.
As I did in Peru, I'm blogging with a song in mind. It's hard not to when most of my day is filled with music. This song has been on repeat lately -- in my car, on my iHome and iPod, and even on the barn boom box while I clean stalls. I like a song that makes me not just tap my toes but stomp my feet. (Hard. Like bent over, knee-raising stomps.) I like music that causes me to sing so hard in my car, the driver in their car bubble next to me stares. Music that makes me do a spin dance with our kitten in the grass.
I totally understand why this band's bluegrass/rock combination has gotten them a lot of attention lately. They're each talented and on multiple instruments. Personally, I always enjoy a banjo, driving bass and the chill bumps caused by a group of men belting out harmonies. This song just might be my airplane take-off song come the 20th.
That seems impossible since, today, I marveled at the quality of the late afternoon sunlight in dust clouds left behind my car as I traveled the long path home. Today, I shopped in American stores, talked to my server in English, and went 70 miles per hour on I-40. I smiled at autumn's alchemy practice on the leaves next to forever green pines. In the den tonight, my family sat around me and fussed about our crappy hometown high school. I was comfortably in NC.
There's more out there, I know. I want to see and experience it, but then thoughts like "you don't speak the language" or "you're a farm girl" creep into my skull. Music, though, drowns out this static. I find myself more and more sneaking into the study to play some Beethoven piece to clear out the clutter in my head.
As I did in Peru, I'm blogging with a song in mind. It's hard not to when most of my day is filled with music. This song has been on repeat lately -- in my car, on my iHome and iPod, and even on the barn boom box while I clean stalls. I like a song that makes me not just tap my toes but stomp my feet. (Hard. Like bent over, knee-raising stomps.) I like music that causes me to sing so hard in my car, the driver in their car bubble next to me stares. Music that makes me do a spin dance with our kitten in the grass.
I totally understand why this band's bluegrass/rock combination has gotten them a lot of attention lately. They're each talented and on multiple instruments. Personally, I always enjoy a banjo, driving bass and the chill bumps caused by a group of men belting out harmonies. This song just might be my airplane take-off song come the 20th.
Jun 17, 2010
Transitional Song: From Davidson to Spain
What a strange time in my life this is.
Along with the rest of Davidson's Class of 2010, I am no longer a part of the Davidson student network. When I logged onto my computer tonight around 12:15, Outlook wanted my password. No go. (Thank goodness I thought to save all of the important emails from the past four years before midnight!) One such saved email came at a funny time. A few days ago, I received an accidental forward from a huge email chain I had participated in the summer between my sophomore and junior year. Reading the contact list alone was bittersweet since those names wouldn't dare be on the same email list six months later, and especially not now. Some connections weren't as long-lived as expected, to put it kindly.
Reading the actual email, which had been kept alive for over three months at the time, made me look back at Past Me...which naturally made me want to peek ahead and see Future Me.
But you can't do that, can you? As my pastor said this past Sunday (and it's painfully simple): You only have RIGHT NOW. This moment. The present. Live life in that. Even though I hate that overplayed Kris Allen song, he's giving good advice. Ancient and wise advice.
Davidson happened, and I'm already missing parts of it. Today, June 17th, I realize that emails like the Crier, party invitations, and even homework announcements no longer will clog my inbox. And I'll miss that annoying clogging. I'll probably miss deweeks@davidson.edu at times. She was usually a happy young woman who grew in confidence with every passing day (according to one beloved Dr. Mills). She had things to do and was surrounded by friends 24/7. Those who really care still call/email, but it's not like it was in the past.
But what's happening NOW? In the present?
The present is a tricky little sucker. It's not always what you planned back there in the past when you thought about the future. I vowed, for example, never to return home after college, yet, here I am, typing from my childhood bedroom. I planned on keeping in touch with some people for the rest of my life that are now no longer a part of it. I thought I might stay in Davidson after graduation. Nope. No job offers there. Instead, I'm stuck waiting everyday for a letter from Madrid that will tell me what I'll be doing with my life come mid-September. The present suddenly feels like a holding room.
It doesn't have to be, though, when there's love. So cheesy, yes, but let me have my small moment of revelation. The present is where relationships thrive...with your God, your family, significant other, friends, and especially with that stranger you just so happen to meet. The present constantly gives you the chance to give to others. You can call that person and hear their voice right now. You can push outside of your comfort zone right now. You can choose to live right now. Not too deep, right?
Feeling a little down after a not-so-active day, I made the executive decision this afternoon to take a nap. While flopping down onto my bed, I randomly turned on the radio to see if the little man inside was playing something special for me. He actually was. (This is when you See Below.) It's been stuck in my head all day. I'm sure over the next few days, this tune will drift out my car windows and join the breeze (the windows WILL be down because the AC isn't working). A wonderfully cliche, happy-go-lucky song, it encourages me not to wait until I'm watching the rain fall in Spain to live life.
If It's Love by Train
While everybody else is getting out of bed
I'm usually getting in it
I'm not in it to win it
And there's a thousand ways you can skin it
My feet have been on the floor
Flat like an idle singer
Remember winger
I digress
I confess you are the best thing in my life
But I'm afraid when I hear stories
About a husband and wife
There's no happy endings
No Henry Lee
But you are the greatest thing about me
[Chorus]
If it's love
And we decide that it's forever
No one else could do it better
If it's love
And we're two birds of a feather
Then the rest is just whenever
And if I'm addicted to loving you
And you're addicted to my love too
We can be them two birds of a feather
That flock together
Love, love
Got to have something to keep us together
Love, love
That's enough for me
Took a loan on a house I own
Can't be a queen bee without a bee throne
I wanna buy ya everything
Except cologne
'cause it's poison
We can travel to Spain where the rain falls
Mainly on the plain side and sing
'cause it is we can laugh we can sing
Have ten kids and give them everything
Hold our cell phones up in the air
And just be glad we made it here alive
On a spinning ball in the middle of space
I love you from your toes to your face
[Chorus]
You can move in
I won't ask where you've been
'cause everybody has a past
When we're older
We'll do it all over again
When everybody else is getting out of bed
I'm usually getting in it
I'm not in it to win it
I'm in it for you
Along with the rest of Davidson's Class of 2010, I am no longer a part of the Davidson student network. When I logged onto my computer tonight around 12:15, Outlook wanted my password. No go. (Thank goodness I thought to save all of the important emails from the past four years before midnight!) One such saved email came at a funny time. A few days ago, I received an accidental forward from a huge email chain I had participated in the summer between my sophomore and junior year. Reading the contact list alone was bittersweet since those names wouldn't dare be on the same email list six months later, and especially not now. Some connections weren't as long-lived as expected, to put it kindly.
Reading the actual email, which had been kept alive for over three months at the time, made me look back at Past Me...which naturally made me want to peek ahead and see Future Me.
But you can't do that, can you? As my pastor said this past Sunday (and it's painfully simple): You only have RIGHT NOW. This moment. The present. Live life in that. Even though I hate that overplayed Kris Allen song, he's giving good advice. Ancient and wise advice.
Davidson happened, and I'm already missing parts of it. Today, June 17th, I realize that emails like the Crier, party invitations, and even homework announcements no longer will clog my inbox. And I'll miss that annoying clogging. I'll probably miss deweeks@davidson.edu at times. She was usually a happy young woman who grew in confidence with every passing day (according to one beloved Dr. Mills). She had things to do and was surrounded by friends 24/7. Those who really care still call/email, but it's not like it was in the past.
But what's happening NOW? In the present?
The present is a tricky little sucker. It's not always what you planned back there in the past when you thought about the future. I vowed, for example, never to return home after college, yet, here I am, typing from my childhood bedroom. I planned on keeping in touch with some people for the rest of my life that are now no longer a part of it. I thought I might stay in Davidson after graduation. Nope. No job offers there. Instead, I'm stuck waiting everyday for a letter from Madrid that will tell me what I'll be doing with my life come mid-September. The present suddenly feels like a holding room.
It doesn't have to be, though, when there's love. So cheesy, yes, but let me have my small moment of revelation. The present is where relationships thrive...with your God, your family, significant other, friends, and especially with that stranger you just so happen to meet. The present constantly gives you the chance to give to others. You can call that person and hear their voice right now. You can push outside of your comfort zone right now. You can choose to live right now. Not too deep, right?
Feeling a little down after a not-so-active day, I made the executive decision this afternoon to take a nap. While flopping down onto my bed, I randomly turned on the radio to see if the little man inside was playing something special for me. He actually was. (This is when you See Below.) It's been stuck in my head all day. I'm sure over the next few days, this tune will drift out my car windows and join the breeze (the windows WILL be down because the AC isn't working). A wonderfully cliche, happy-go-lucky song, it encourages me not to wait until I'm watching the rain fall in Spain to live life.
If It's Love by Train
While everybody else is getting out of bed
I'm usually getting in it
I'm not in it to win it
And there's a thousand ways you can skin it
My feet have been on the floor
Flat like an idle singer
Remember winger
I digress
I confess you are the best thing in my life
But I'm afraid when I hear stories
About a husband and wife
There's no happy endings
No Henry Lee
But you are the greatest thing about me
[Chorus]
If it's love
And we decide that it's forever
No one else could do it better
If it's love
And we're two birds of a feather
Then the rest is just whenever
And if I'm addicted to loving you
And you're addicted to my love too
We can be them two birds of a feather
That flock together
Love, love
Got to have something to keep us together
Love, love
That's enough for me
Took a loan on a house I own
Can't be a queen bee without a bee throne
I wanna buy ya everything
Except cologne
'cause it's poison
We can travel to Spain where the rain falls
Mainly on the plain side and sing
'cause it is we can laugh we can sing
Have ten kids and give them everything
Hold our cell phones up in the air
And just be glad we made it here alive
On a spinning ball in the middle of space
I love you from your toes to your face
[Chorus]
You can move in
I won't ask where you've been
'cause everybody has a past
When we're older
We'll do it all over again
When everybody else is getting out of bed
I'm usually getting in it
I'm not in it to win it
I'm in it for you
Apr 24, 2010
On Graduating
Landslide
I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mmm Mmm... I don't know...
Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too
So, take this love, take it down
Oh if you climb a mountain and you turn around
If you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well the landslide will bring you down
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)